Best Communication and Media Studies Schools in Iowa

Iowa has 11 colleges offering Communication and Media Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 547 recent graduates. Graduates earn $33,648 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $33,406.

School choice matters significantly: University of Iowa graduates earn $41,126 while Maharishi International University graduates earn $18,498 — a $22,628 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in IA

$33,648

IA Avg. Earnings

$33,406

National Avg.

777

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Communication and Media Studies in Iowa

Public Schools (3)

$38,874

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (7)

$31,407

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Iowa produce comparable or higher early earnings for Communication and Media Studies graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Communication and Media Studies Schools in Iowa, Ranked by Earnings

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public

$41,126

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,289

Graduates: 222

Acceptance: 84.7%

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

$38,134

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,232

Graduates: 106

Acceptance: 89.1%

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public

$37,363

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,882

Graduates: 89

Acceptance: 94.4%

Luther College

Decorah, IA · Private

$36,848

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,709

Graduates: 20

Acceptance: 73.3%

Central College

Pella, IA · Private

$36,848

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 79.0%

Waldorf University

Forest City, IA · For-Profit

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $30,024

Graduates: 27

Acceptance: 72.6%

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA · Private

$32,925

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,383

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 86.9%

Wartburg College

Waverly, IA · Private

$35,546

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $32,087

Graduates: 43

Acceptance: 99.4%

Loras College

Dubuque, IA · Private

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $37,403

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 91.8%

#10

Morningside University

Sioux City, IA · Private

Maharishi International University

Fairfield, IA · Private

$18,498

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 96.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

University of Iowa ranks #1 for Communication and Media Studies in Iowa with median graduate earnings of $41,126 within two years of graduation. There are 11 schools offering Communication and Media Studies programs in the state.

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

Communication and Media Studies graduates in Iowa earn an average of $33,648 within two years of graduation. This is 1% above the national average of $33,406 for this major.

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

Morningside University is the most selective Communication and Media Studies program in Iowa with an acceptance rate of 70.6%. The average acceptance rate across Communication and Media Studies programs in the state is 85.3%.

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

In Iowa, private Communication and Media Studies programs produce average earnings of $31,407 vs $38,874 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 3 public and 7 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Iowa

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $71,489 Computer Science $67,647 Industrial Engineering $67,486 Chemical Engineering $66,073 Computer and Information Sciences, General $61,418 Management Information Systems and Services $61,155 Civil Engineering $60,985 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $59,161

All colleges in Iowa →

Communication and Media Studies in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.