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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #161 | Webster UniversityPrivate | Saint Louis, MO | $44,889 Median Communication Earnings | $22,359 | 86.2% | 64.4% |
| #162 | College Of The OzarksPrivate | Point Lookout, MO | $44,554 Median Communication Earnings | $6,381 | 12.0% | 63.7% |
| #163 | Saint Xavier UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $44,312 Median Communication Earnings | $7,572 | 84.3% | 56.6% |
| #164 | Saint Paul, MN | $43,555 Median Communication Earnings | $26,696 | 93.5% | 68.1% | |
| #165 | South Bend, IN | $43,371 Median Communication Earnings | $4,637 | 83.8% | 40.1% | |
| #166 | Calvin UniversityPrivate | Grand Rapids, MI | $43,138 Median Communication Earnings | $19,281 | 70.9% | 74.1% |
| #167 | Concordia University-ChicagoPrivate | River Forest, IL | $43,071 Median Communication Earnings | $16,795 | 92.8% | 36.5% |
| #168 | University Of Sioux FallsPrivate | Sioux Falls, SD | $42,847 Median Communication Earnings | $18,145 | 82.9% | 62.9% |
| #169 | Lakeland UniversityPrivate | Plymouth, WI | $42,682 Median Communication Earnings | $22,453 | 86.3% | 42.4% |
| #170 | Steubenville, OH | $42,188 Median Communication Earnings | $19,696 | 58.4% | 75.4% | |
| #171 | Joplin, MO | $41,771 Median Communication Earnings | $9,759 | 97.0% | 41.6% | |
| #172 | Dayton, OH | $40,908 Median Communication Earnings | $11,952 | 96.3% | 41.7% | |
| #173 | Saint Johns UniversityPrivate | Collegeville, MN | $40,423 Median Communication Earnings | $10,354 | 90.6% | 75.4% |
| #174 | Cedarville UniversityPrivate | Cedarville, OH | $39,538 Median Communication Earnings | $18,987 | 65.3% | 72.5% |
| #175 | Marquette, MI | $39,259 Median Communication Earnings | $7,697 | 84.0% | 52.1% | |
| #176 | Wisconsin Lutheran CollegePrivate | Milwaukee, WI | $39,009 Median Communication Earnings | $18,190 | 78.2% | 63.6% |
| #177 | Youngstown, OH | $38,933 Median Communication Earnings | $9,328 | 84.5% | 50.5% | |
| #178 | William Jewell CollegePrivate | Liberty, MO | $38,337 Median Communication Earnings | $12,909 | 38.4% | 67.7% |
| #179 | Saint Paul, MN | $38,289 Median Communication Earnings | $16,406 | 78.9% | 45.9% | |
| #180 | Carroll UniversityPrivate | Waukesha, WI | $36,488 Median Communication Earnings | $15,718 | 66.8% | 70.7% |
