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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #121 | Kent, OH | $50,232 Median Communication Earnings | $15,280 | 86.3% | 63.7% | |
| #122 | Aurora UniversityPrivate | Aurora, IL | $50,079 Median Communication Earnings | $14,525 | 80.8% | 60.3% |
| #123 | Maryville, MO | $50,012 Median Communication Earnings | $13,176 | 86.1% | 54.2% | |
| #124 | Hammond, IN | $49,326 Median Communication Earnings | $1,432 | 72.4% | 42.9% | |
| #125 | Akron, OH | $49,250 Median Communication Earnings | $10,413 | 59.7% | 51.9% | |
| #126 | River Falls, WI | $49,236 Median Communication Earnings | $8,472 | 81.7% | 57.0% | |
| #127 | Malone UniversityPrivate | Canton, OH | $49,148 Median Communication Earnings | $13,290 | 75.9% | 45.0% |
| #128 | Kansas City, MO | $49,135 Median Communication Earnings | $10,576 | 72.2% | 55.5% | |
| #129 | Stevens Point, WI | $48,982 Median Communication Earnings | $8,833 | 91.8% | 50.8% | |
| #130 | New Albany, IN | $48,931 Median Communication Earnings | $3,782 | 84.5% | 39.2% | |
| #131 | Bemidji State UniversityPublic | Bemidji, MN | $48,877 Median Communication Earnings | $10,073 | 56.0% | 47.9% |
| #132 | University Of IndianapolisPrivate | Indianapolis, IN | $48,711 Median Communication Earnings | $15,346 | 66.5% | 55.8% |
| #133 | Muskingum UniversityPrivate | New Concord, OH | $48,604 Median Communication Earnings | $14,684 | 81.8% | 56.4% |
| #134 | Green Bay, WI | $48,550 Median Communication Earnings | $9,144 | 88.6% | 48.2% | |
| #135 | University Of DubuquePrivate | Dubuque, IA | $48,537 Median Communication Earnings | $18,106 | 88.6% | 40.1% |
| #136 | Indianapolis, IN | $48,536 Median Communication Earnings | $5,701 | 76.4% | 54.4% | |
| #137 | Wartburg CollegePrivate | Waverly, IA | $48,433 Median Communication Earnings | $21,688 | 75.8% | 64.3% |
| #138 | Moorhead, MN | $48,353 Median Communication Earnings | $11,129 | 58.8% | 57.3% | |
| #139 | Chicago, IL | $48,247 Median Communication Earnings | $13,709 | 74.6% | 21.6% | |
| #140 | Indiana State UniversityPublic | Terre Haute, IN | $48,185 Median Communication Earnings | $6,455 | 80.8% | 42.9% |
