Communication programs across the Midwest's 143 institutions produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $33,267 to $89,363. The region's communication degree holders earn a median of $57,358—$1,541 higher than the national average, demonstrating strong program outcomes in journalism, media careers, and public relations.
Leading the list is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, achieving the highest program earnings at $66,507. Northwestern University follows closely with $62,765, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign rounds out the top tier at $60,558, showcasing how flagship public universities compete with elite private colleges for graduate outcomes.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ann Arbor, MI | $79,648 Median Communication Earnings | $1,043 | 15.6% | 93.2% | |
| #2 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | Oxford, OH | $75,730 Median Communication Earnings | $16,015 | 75.4% | 79.8% |
| #3 | Butler UniversityPrivate | Indianapolis, IN | $75,382 Median Communication Earnings | $25,278 | 85.1% | 80.4% |
| #4 | Champaign, IL | $72,488 Median Communication Earnings | $2,038 | 42.4% | 85.1% | |
| #5 | Marion, IN | $71,669 Median Communication Earnings | $19,793 | 88.9% | 66.7% | |
| #6 | Gustavus Adolphus CollegePrivate | Saint Peter, MN | $69,423 Median Communication Earnings | $12,015 | 61.0% | 76.6% |
| #7 | Depauw UniversityPrivate | Greencastle, IN | $69,228 Median Communication Earnings | $11,820 | 57.2% | 74.7% |
| #8 | Minneapolis, MN | $68,137 Median Communication Earnings | $6,642 | 79.8% | 85.3% | |
| #9 | Madison, WI | $67,773 Median Communication Earnings | $4,200 | 45.2% | 89.5% | |
| #10 | University Of DaytonPrivate | Dayton, OH | $67,231 Median Communication Earnings | $21,736 | 65.5% | 80.2% |
| #11 | Denison UniversityPrivate | Granville, OH | $66,730 Median Communication Earnings | $16,656 | 17.4% | 78.9% |
| #12 | Columbia, MO | $66,449 Median Communication Earnings | $13,841 | 78.5% | 74.9% | |
| #13 | Saint Mary's CollegePrivate | Notre Dame, IN | $66,335 Median Communication Earnings | $16,760 | 76.0% | 69.3% |
| #14 | West Lafayette, IN | $65,517 Median Communication Earnings | $5,098 | 49.9% | 83.1% | |
| #15 | East Lansing, MI | $64,976 Median Communication Earnings | $7,068 | 84.8% | 80.7% | |
| #16 | University Of St ThomasPrivate | Saint Paul, MN | $64,917 Median Communication Earnings | $28,131 | 85.4% | 76.4% |
| #17 | Lake Forest CollegePrivate | Lake Forest, IL | $64,580 Median Communication Earnings | $19,605 | 56.8% | 77.8% |
| #18 | College Of Saint BenedictPrivate | Saint Joseph, MN | $64,430 Median Communication Earnings | $12,981 | 91.5% | 77.1% |
| #19 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $64,405 Median Communication Earnings | $27,359 | 75.9% | 67.8% |
| #20 | Marquette UniversityPrivate | Milwaukee, WI | $63,930 Median Communication Earnings | $22,269 | 81.3% | 83.2% |
