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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #181 | Duluth, MN | $36,312 Median Communication Earnings | $14,433 | 93.0% | 70.5% | |
| #182 | Central State UniversityPublic | Wilberforce, OH | $36,311 Median Communication Earnings | $19,581 | 98.6% | 22.8% |
| #183 | University Of Mount UnionPrivate | Alliance, OH | $36,042 Median Communication Earnings | $16,786 | 78.2% | 58.7% |
| #184 | Wayne State CollegePublic | Wayne, NE | $35,833 Median Communication Earnings | $12,844 | — | 52.1% |
| #185 | Monmouth CollegePrivate | Monmouth, IL | $35,692 Median Communication Earnings | $12,483 | 90.9% | 64.6% |
| #186 | Marietta CollegePrivate | Marietta, OH | $35,416 Median Communication Earnings | $18,254 | 79.3% | 61.4% |
| #187 | Drury UniversityPrivate | Springfield, MO | $35,416 Median Communication Earnings | $18,759 | — | 61.8% |
| #188 | Baker UniversityPrivate | Baldwin City, KS | $35,060 Median Communication Earnings | $21,057 | 94.2% | 57.8% |
| #189 | Ashland UniversityPrivate | Ashland, OH | $34,819 Median Communication Earnings | $16,489 | 76.4% | 60.6% |
| #190 | Saint Louis, MO | $33,993 Median Communication Earnings | $16,528 | 95.1% | 66.2% | |
| #191 | Winona, MN | $33,993 Median Communication Earnings | $16,182 | 92.8% | 66.0% | |
| #192 | Wilmington CollegePrivate | Wilmington, OH | $33,993 Median Communication Earnings | $19,820 | 92.4% | 47.3% |
| #193 | Mount St. Joseph UniversityPrivate | Cincinnati, OH | $33,281 Median Communication Earnings | $11,689 | 59.1% | 56.3% |
| #194 | Ohio Dominican UniversityPrivate | Columbus, OH | $33,281 Median Communication Earnings | $16,997 | 94.2% | 41.0% |
| #195 | Saint Ambrose UniversityPrivate | Davenport, IA | $32,382 Median Communication Earnings | $22,037 | 77.3% | 61.0% |
| #196 | Southfield, MI | $30,771 Median Communication Earnings | $25,980 | 55.9% | 60.6% | |
| #197 | Benedictine CollegePrivate | Atchison, KS | $30,238 Median Communication Earnings | $22,032 | 98.1% | 61.6% |
| #198 | Hiram CollegePrivate | Hiram, OH | $30,119 Median Communication Earnings | $16,550 | 93.5% | 54.5% |
| #199 | Capital UniversityPrivate | Columbus, OH | $29,693 Median Communication Earnings | $19,062 | 70.2% | 60.3% |
| #200 | Eureka CollegePrivate | Eureka, IL | $29,685 Median Communication Earnings | $13,711 | 85.0% | 41.6% |
