Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Wingate University

Wingate's communications program costs more than the typical North Carolina school but delivers results that justify the premium. At $25,400 in median debt, graduates borrow about $3,000 more than peers at other NC programs, yet they earn $50,211 four years out—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide and outearning the state median by roughly $12,000. That puts them ahead of programs at larger schools like Appalachian State and UNC Charlotte.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 means graduates owe about seven months of their first-year salary, which is manageable territory for communications majors. More encouraging is the 24% earnings growth from year one to year four, suggesting graduates are advancing rather than plateauing early. First-year earnings of $40,438 already exceed both state and national medians for this field.

For families weighing the cost of a private university against larger public alternatives, Wingate appears to deliver competitive outcomes. The higher borrowing buys access to stronger earning potential in a field where income varies widely by program. If your student is set on communications and comfortable with the debt level, this program performs solidly within North Carolina's landscape.