by our College Data Analytics Team
[Communication Media Studies](/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/) graduates earn very different salaries depending on where they study. The schools below stand out for the salaries their communication media studies graduates go on to command.
College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying communication media studies schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose communication media studies graduates go on to earn the most.
University Of Kansas tops our 2026 list of the highest-paying communication media studies schools in Kansas. Set in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Communication Media Studies graduates of University Of Kansas earn a median of about $60,475 a year early in their careers.
Washburn University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in communication media studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Topeka, Washburn University is a public institution. After graduating, communication media studies degree recipients from Washburn University typically earn about $49,261 annually.
A rank of #3 makes Kansas State University one of the highest-paying schools for communication media studies. Kansas State University is a public school located in the city of Manhattan. Communication Media Studies graduates of Kansas State University earn a median of about $57,251 a year early in their careers.
Emporia State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying communication media studies schools. Set in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a public institution. After graduating, communication media studies degree recipients from Emporia State University typically earn about $42,347 annually.
Wichita State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying communication media studies schools. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a public institution. Early-career communication media studies graduates from Wichita State University make a median of around $44,116 per year.
Pittsburg State University came in at #6 for communication media studies graduate earnings this year. Set in the town of Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. Communication Media Studies graduates of Pittsburg State University earn a median of about $50,332 a year early in their careers.
Ottawa University Kansas City ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying communication media studies schools. Ottawa University Kansas City is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Overland Park. After graduating, communication media studies degree recipients from Ottawa University Kansas City typically earn about $33,465 annually.
Ottawa University Online earned the #8 position for communication media studies graduate earnings this year. Ottawa University Online is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Overland Park. Early-career communication media studies graduates from Ottawa University Online make a median of around $33,465 per year.
Ottawa University Ottawa placed #9 among the highest-paying schools for communication media studies. Set in the town of Ottawa, Ottawa University Ottawa is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, communication media studies degree recipients from Ottawa University Ottawa typically earn about $33,465 annually.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries communication media studies graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 9 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.