Communication and Media Studies
Bachelor's degree · Northern Illinois University · Dekalb, IL
How this program compares
Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Communication and Media Studies at Northern Illinois University earn a median of $38,490 one year after completing the program. Nationally, bachelor's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $56,359 four years after graduating (middle half: $39,575–$76,115). Median debt is $23,812, about 62% of first-year earnings.
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's degree) at other Illinois schools
| College | Earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University Evanston | $52,210 | $17,687 |
| DeVry University-Illinois Lisle | $47,622 | $45,000 |
| Lake Forest College Lake Forest | $42,835 | $27,000 |
| Elmhurst University Elmhurst | $41,423 | — |
| Augustana College Rock Island | $40,806 | $26,375 |
| Wheaton College Wheaton | $39,321 | $23,250 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Chicago | $38,912 | $19,224 |
| Illinois State University Normal | $38,125 | $19,500 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign | $37,808 | $18,850 |
| Eastern Illinois University Charleston | $37,778 | $23,676 |
| Moody Bible Institute Chicago | $36,963 | $12,500 |
| Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville | $36,569 | $20,500 |
| Millikin University Decatur | $35,413 | $21,149 |
| DePaul University Chicago | $34,453 | $20,834 |
| Western Illinois University Macomb | $34,142 | $28,170 |
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Frequently asked questions
How much do Communication and Media Studies graduates from Northern Illinois University make?
The median salary is $38,490 one year after graduation and $56,644 after five years.
How much student debt do graduates have?
Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $23,812.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.