Best Communication and Media Studies Schools in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 21 colleges offering Communication and Media Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,579 recent graduates. Graduates earn $35,290 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $33,523.

School choice matters significantly: Lakeland University graduates earn $42,682 while Mount Mary University graduates earn $25,194 — a $17,488 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in WI

$35,290

WI Avg. Earnings

$33,523

National Avg.

678

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Communication and Media Studies in Wisconsin

Public Schools (11)

$34,360

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (10)

$36,313

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $1,953 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Communication and Media Studies Schools in Wisconsin, Ranked by Earnings

Lakeland University

Plymouth, WI · Private

$42,682

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 91.1%

Alverno College

Milwaukee, WI · Private

$41,937

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,510

Graduates: 16

Acceptance: 93.1%

Edgewood College

Madison, WI · Private

$40,647

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,660

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 94.5%

Wisconsin Lutheran College

Milwaukee, WI · Private

$39,009

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 79.0%

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Whitewater, WI · Public

$37,856

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,797

Graduates: 198

Acceptance: 82.8%

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, WI · Public

$37,067

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,292

Graduates: 119

Acceptance: 73.3%

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI · Public

$36,697

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,894

Graduates: 114

Acceptance: 76.1%

Carroll University

Waukesha, WI · Private

$36,488

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,363

Graduates: 25

Acceptance: 58.4%

Saint Norbert College

De Pere, WI · Private

$35,914

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,380

Graduates: 47

Acceptance: 92.2%

#10

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

$35,891

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,006

Graduates: 168

Acceptance: 43.4%

#11

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

River Falls, WI · Public

$35,518

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,685

Graduates: 56

Acceptance: 81.6%

#12

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI · Public

$35,416

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $42,076

Graduates: 44

Acceptance: 86.7%

#13

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI · Public

$35,365

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,698

Graduates: 379

Acceptance: 88.4%

#14

Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI · Private

University of Wisconsin-Superior

Superior, WI · Public

$34,230

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,556

Graduates: 40

Acceptance: 93.6%

#16

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI · Private

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,485

Graduates: 36

Acceptance: 87.4%

#17

Carthage College

Kenosha, WI · Private

$32,563

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,255

Graduates: 37

Acceptance: 84.2%

#18

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Green Bay, WI · Public

$32,257

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,257

Graduates: 70

Acceptance: 87.8%

#19

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI · Public

$31,314

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,947

Graduates: 122

Acceptance: 90.1%

#20

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Kenosha, WI · Public

$26,353

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,889

Graduates: 67

Acceptance: 72.6%

#21

Mount Mary University

Milwaukee, WI · Private

$25,194

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,777

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 93.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Communication and Media Studies in Wisconsin?

Lakeland University ranks #1 for Communication and Media Studies in Wisconsin with median graduate earnings of $42,682 within two years of graduation. There are 21 schools offering Communication and Media Studies programs in the state.

How much do Communication and Media Studies graduates earn in Wisconsin?

Communication and Media Studies graduates in Wisconsin earn an average of $35,290 within two years of graduation. This is 5% above the national average of $33,523 for this major.

What is the hardest Communication and Media Studies school to get into in Wisconsin?

University of Wisconsin-Madison is the most selective Communication and Media Studies program in Wisconsin with an acceptance rate of 43.4%. The average acceptance rate across Communication and Media Studies programs in the state is 82.5%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Communication and Media Studies in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, private Communication and Media Studies programs produce average earnings of $36,313 vs $34,360 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 11 public and 10 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Wisconsin

Computer Engineering $73,755 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $68,823 Industrial Engineering $67,611 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $65,461 Construction Management $63,643 Computer Programming $62,260 Civil Engineering $62,210 Computer and Information Sciences, General $61,271

All colleges in Wisconsin →

Communication and Media Studies in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.