Purdue University-Main Campus — West Lafayette, IN

Communication and Media Studies

at Purdue University-Main Campus · West Lafayette, IN

Strong Value

Solid pick

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $37,574/yr starting out — that's 25% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 8.3 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $13,945/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $62,886 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$22,567/yr

Starting Salary

$37,574

Finish Rate

83.1%

$22,567/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $13,945/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $8,622/yr)

4 Years Total

$90,268

Typical Debt

$19,500

Interest You'd Owe

+$7,106

What You'd Really Pay

$62,886

That's about $222/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$375,740

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$62,886

Pays for Itself In

8.3 yrs

Salary Boost

+25%

Ahead After 10 Years

$312,854

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost40/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed16.2/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost3.4/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate12.5/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.