Communication and Media Studies at Angelo State University

Angelo State's Communication and Media Studies program operates in a tough spot for this major—starting salaries hover around $32,000, which lands below both the Texas median ($33,906) and national average ($34,959). For context, Texas has 64 schools offering this degree, and Angelo State sits near the middle of the pack at the 40th percentile statewide. The state's top programs at UT Austin and Baylor start graduates around $44,000, showing the wide performance range within Texas alone.

The financial equation here isn't terrible but requires realistic expectations. At $21,369 in debt, graduates carry less than both state and national medians—a genuine plus in a field not known for high starting pay. The 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio means borrowers would dedicate roughly two-thirds of their first year's salary to debt, manageable but tight. Earnings do grow 15% by year four to nearly $37,000, though that's still modest compared to other fields.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates tracked) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, so they're more directional than definitive. If your child is set on communications and prefers Angelo State for location or campus fit, the lower debt load makes it workable. Just know they'll likely need a clear career path—public relations, corporate communications, content creation—rather than hoping the degree alone opens doors. This isn't a program where the economics make the decision easy either way.