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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #101 | Oakland UniversityPublic | Rochester Hills, MI | $52,383 Median Communication Earnings | $4,422 | 87.8% | 57.6% |
| #102 | Adrian CollegePrivate | Adrian, MI | $52,309 Median Communication Earnings | $19,542 | 72.5% | 48.4% |
| #103 | Moorhead, MN | $52,248 Median Communication Earnings | $20,950 | 62.6% | 61.1% | |
| #104 | Cincinnati, OH | $52,184 Median Communication Earnings | $17,974 | 85.3% | 75.0% | |
| #105 | Cape Girardeau, MO | $52,105 Median Communication Earnings | $12,704 | 73.5% | 57.9% | |
| #106 | Vermillion, SD | $52,100 Median Communication Earnings | $14,921 | 98.8% | 59.9% | |
| #107 | Gary, IN | $51,863 Median Communication Earnings | $1,419 | 73.4% | 37.4% | |
| #108 | Rochester UniversityPrivate | Rochester Hills, MI | $51,856 Median Communication Earnings | $18,463 | 97.7% | 44.1% |
| #109 | Central CollegePrivate | Pella, IA | $51,671 Median Communication Earnings | $16,231 | 86.2% | 66.2% |
| #110 | Kearney, NE | $51,659 Median Communication Earnings | $13,066 | 89.5% | 57.7% | |
| #111 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | Big Rapids, MI | $51,396 Median Communication Earnings | $2,556 | 91.4% | 46.9% |
| #112 | Macomb, IL | $51,203 Median Communication Earnings | $6,941 | 71.2% | 45.2% | |
| #113 | Ball State UniversityPublic | Muncie, IN | $51,119 Median Communication Earnings | $7,834 | 85.5% | 62.3% |
| #114 | Springfield, MO | $50,863 Median Communication Earnings | $13,718 | 90.5% | 57.9% | |
| #115 | Truman State UniversityPublic | Kirksville, MO | $50,785 Median Communication Earnings | $6,046 | 83.8% | 68.5% |
| #116 | Wichita State UniversityPublic | Wichita, KS | $50,773 Median Communication Earnings | $9,734 | 94.0% | 51.0% |
| #117 | Heidelberg UniversityPrivate | Tiffin, OH | $50,626 Median Communication Earnings | $18,217 | 85.8% | 52.0% |
| #118 | Warrensburg, MO | $50,521 Median Communication Earnings | $10,965 | 63.8% | 54.1% | |
| #119 | Cornerstone UniversityPrivate | Grand Rapids, MI | $50,401 Median Communication Earnings | $20,177 | 77.8% | 61.9% |
| #120 | Valparaiso UniversityPrivate | Valparaiso, IN | $50,325 Median Communication Earnings | $11,043 | 89.4% | 70.4% |
