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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #61 | Indiana University-EastPublic | Richmond, IN | $56,141 Median Communication Earnings | $5,154 | 67.2% | 39.6% |
| #62 | Mankato, MN | $56,119 Median Communication Earnings | $12,339 | 88.4% | 53.9% | |
| #63 | Grand Forks, ND | $56,065 Median Communication Earnings | $13,126 | 76.9% | 60.5% | |
| #64 | Duluth, MN | $56,042 Median Communication Earnings | $7,256 | 88.8% | 64.7% | |
| #65 | Milwaukee, WI | $55,697 Median Communication Earnings | $10,329 | 90.7% | 49.3% | |
| #66 | Kansas State UniversityPublic | Manhattan, KS | $55,300 Median Communication Earnings | $13,178 | 81.7% | 71.1% |
| #67 | Eau Claire, WI | $55,289 Median Communication Earnings | $10,270 | 82.3% | 63.8% | |
| #68 | Hope CollegePrivate | Holland, MI | $55,166 Median Communication Earnings | $17,606 | 79.2% | 80.0% |
| #69 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | Detroit, MI | $55,136 Median Communication Earnings | $11,090 | 81.2% | 58.4% |
| #70 | Saint Joseph, MO | $55,059 Median Communication Earnings | $11,243 | — | 38.5% | |
| #71 | St Catherine UniversityPrivate | Saint Paul, MN | $55,058 Median Communication Earnings | $17,890 | 91.8% | 61.3% |
| #72 | Otterbein UniversityPrivate | Westerville, OH | $55,017 Median Communication Earnings | $12,458 | 84.5% | 67.9% |
| #73 | Crown CollegePrivate | Saint Bonifacius, MN | $54,958 Median Communication Earnings | $24,270 | 22.8% | 45.4% |
| #74 | Lindenwood UniversityPrivate | Saint Charles, MO | $54,948 Median Communication Earnings | $15,678 | 56.8% | 49.3% |
| #75 | Cedar Falls, IA | $54,807 Median Communication Earnings | $10,863 | 92.7% | 67.9% | |
| #76 | Dekalb, IL | $54,473 Median Communication Earnings | $10,126 | 69.8% | 48.7% | |
| #77 | Athens, OH | $54,350 Median Communication Earnings | $15,673 | 85.0% | 65.5% | |
| #78 | Albion CollegePrivate | Albion, MI | $54,300 Median Communication Earnings | $10,036 | 80.7% | 61.6% |
| #79 | Franklin CollegePrivate | Franklin, IN | $54,298 Median Communication Earnings | $14,790 | 69.8% | 60.3% |
| #80 | North Central CollegePrivate | Naperville, IL | $54,258 Median Communication Earnings | $12,507 | 77.3% | 64.0% |
