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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #141 | Avila UniversityPrivate | Kansas City, MO | $48,148 Median Communication Earnings | $15,694 | 87.8% | 52.4% |
| #142 | Aquinas CollegePrivate | Grand Rapids, MI | $48,075 Median Communication Earnings | $10,725 | 89.9% | 65.4% |
| #143 | Saint Louis, MO | $48,059 Median Communication Earnings | $13,031 | 62.7% | 56.6% | |
| #144 | Flint, MI | $47,959 Median Communication Earnings | $1,517 | 70.5% | 40.3% | |
| #145 | Benedictine UniversityPrivate | Lisle, IL | $47,664 Median Communication Earnings | $20,168 | 95.2% | 50.3% |
| #146 | University Of ToledoPublic | Toledo, OH | $47,659 Median Communication Earnings | $13,524 | 92.0% | 57.0% |
| #147 | University Park, IL | $47,475 Median Communication Earnings | $9,563 | 48.3% | 22.1% | |
| #148 | Evangel UniversityPrivate | Springfield, MO | $47,415 Median Communication Earnings | $16,198 | 49.2% | 65.0% |
| #149 | Olivet Nazarene UniversityPrivate | Bourbonnais, IL | $47,381 Median Communication Earnings | $17,232 | 55.9% | 60.8% |
| #150 | Fargo, ND | $47,011 Median Communication Earnings | $9,370 | 95.0% | 63.9% | |
| #151 | Fort Wayne, IN | $46,619 Median Communication Earnings | $8,306 | 83.9% | 36.3% | |
| #152 | Washburn UniversityPublic | Topeka, KS | $46,497 Median Communication Earnings | $20,310 | — | 53.0% |
| #153 | Walsh UniversityPrivate | North Canton, OH | $46,374 Median Communication Earnings | $20,458 | 70.7% | 58.5% |
| #154 | Kokomo, IN | $46,136 Median Communication Earnings | -$583 | 86.5% | 45.6% | |
| #155 | Crookston, MN | $45,916 Median Communication Earnings | $5,758 | 87.9% | 49.8% | |
| #156 | Spearfish, SD | $45,537 Median Communication Earnings | $11,863 | 96.3% | 42.6% | |
| #157 | Millikin UniversityPrivate | Decatur, IL | $45,444 Median Communication Earnings | $18,659 | 66.7% | 54.9% |
| #158 | University Of MaryPrivate | Bismarck, ND | $45,394 Median Communication Earnings | $11,593 | 75.3% | 66.6% |
| #159 | Superior, WI | $45,014 Median Communication Earnings | $9,679 | 93.0% | 41.9% | |
| #160 | Emporia State UniversityPublic | Emporia, KS | $45,003 Median Communication Earnings | $11,452 | 97.7% | 56.1% |
