WhatGradsMake
Doctoral (Research)-5% vs national median195 grads tracked

Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs at University of Iowa

Ranked 23rd of 28 doctoral (research) programs in Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$70,606
middle 50%: $59,795 – $84,419
Median · 5 years out
$80,729
middle 50%: $66,427 – $94,160
Median · 10 years out
$96,190
middle 50%: $79,381 – $110,663

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs (doctoral (research)) graduates.

This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates

Graduates of University of Iowa's doctoral (research) program in Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs earn a median $70,606 one year after graduating, rising to $96,190 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 5% below the national median of $85,412 for this field, ranking 23rd of 28 reporting programs.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.

Will the degree pay for itself?

Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.

Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).

Paid off in
4.7 yrs
≈ $4,963 total interest

Same major at other universities

Other majors at University of Iowa

Related fields of study