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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #81 | Edgewood CollegePrivate | Madison, WI | $54,257 Median Communication Earnings | $22,291 | 75.7% | 60.2% |
| #82 | Alma CollegePrivate | Alma, MI | $53,947 Median Communication Earnings | $17,162 | 57.0% | 62.9% |
| #83 | Kenosha, WI | $53,923 Median Communication Earnings | $7,425 | 75.4% | 40.4% | |
| #84 | Bethel UniversityPrivate | Saint Paul, MN | $53,868 Median Communication Earnings | $22,218 | 87.8% | 71.4% |
| #85 | Loras CollegePrivate | Dubuque, IA | $53,827 Median Communication Earnings | $20,479 | 99.9% | 67.6% |
| #86 | University Center, MI | $53,825 Median Communication Earnings | $9,844 | 72.1% | 48.3% | |
| #87 | Whitewater, WI | $53,768 Median Communication Earnings | $8,440 | 85.7% | 58.9% | |
| #88 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | Elmhurst, IL | $53,618 Median Communication Earnings | $17,892 | 73.6% | 70.0% |
| #89 | Winona State UniversityPublic | Winona, MN | $53,456 Median Communication Earnings | $10,224 | 75.5% | 56.9% |
| #90 | Allendale, MI | $53,391 Median Communication Earnings | $12,272 | 83.0% | 67.0% | |
| #91 | Cleveland, OH | $53,188 Median Communication Earnings | $11,958 | 91.3% | 50.6% | |
| #92 | Mount Pleasant, MI | $53,164 Median Communication Earnings | $12,185 | 89.8% | 58.7% | |
| #93 | Saint Norbert CollegePrivate | De Pere, WI | $52,927 Median Communication Earnings | $19,721 | 85.7% | 71.3% |
| #94 | Luther CollegePrivate | Decorah, IA | $52,905 Median Communication Earnings | $12,517 | 71.5% | 71.1% |
| #95 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | Peoria, IL | $52,775 Median Communication Earnings | $17,269 | 76.8% | 76.2% |
| #96 | Dearborn, MI | $52,703 Median Communication Earnings | $7,211 | 55.6% | 58.0% | |
| #97 | Springfield, IL | $52,588 Median Communication Earnings | $5,778 | 85.9% | 53.2% | |
| #98 | Edwardsville, IL | $52,466 Median Communication Earnings | $8,483 | 97.5% | 57.0% | |
| #99 | Ypsilanti, MI | $52,395 Median Communication Earnings | $13,250 | 79.6% | 46.4% | |
| #100 | Carbondale, IL | $52,385 Median Communication Earnings | $9,415 | 86.9% | 62.4% |
