Communication and Media Studies

Bachelor's degree · Iowa State University · Ames, IA

CIP 09.01

$40,497Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$57,110Median earnings 4 years after
$55,664Median earnings 5 years after
$16,875Median federal debt
70Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Communication and Media Studies at Iowa State University earn a median of $40,497 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 $16,875, about 42% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.

Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's degree) at other Iowa schools

CollegeEarnings (1 yr)Median debt
Luther College
Decorah
$42,012$27,000
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls
$40,558$16,562
Wartburg College
Waverly
$40,255$26,750
University of Iowa
Iowa City
$37,647$22,850
Loras College
Dubuque
$36,821$20,876

Highest-paying Communication and Media Studies programs nationwide →

Other programs at Iowa State University

Frequently asked questions

How much do Communication and Media Studies graduates from Iowa State University make?

The median salary is $40,497 one year after graduation and $55,664 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $16,875.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.