Analysis
Baylor's Communication and Media Studies program delivers something rare: graduates who significantly out-earn their peers without taking on excessive debt. First-year earnings of $43,740 sit well above both the Texas median ($33,906) and national median ($34,959), placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally. That's a $10,000 advantage right out of the gate—and the gap widens from there, with earnings climbing 22% by year four.
The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $23,860, graduates carry slightly less than both state and national medians, yielding a comfortable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio. This means students finish with manageable debt while earning substantially more than peers from most Texas programs. Among the state's 64 communication programs, Baylor ranks in the 80th percentile—trailing only UT Austin and a few specialized institutions, while matching or exceeding flagship programs like Texas A&M.
For parents weighing a private university price tag, this data suggests Baylor's program delivers measurable returns. The combination of strong initial placement, solid earnings growth, and reasonable debt levels makes this a defensible investment, particularly for students serious about leveraging the university's network and reputation in Texas media markets.
Where Baylor University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Baylor University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | $43,740 | $53,270 | +22% |
| Texas Christian University | $32,123 | $61,473 | +91% |
| University of Houston | $37,958 | $56,081 | +48% |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $43,295 | $54,656 | +26% |
| University of Phoenix-Texas | $47,919 | $49,715 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (64 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Baylor UniversityWaco | $54,844 | $43,740 | $53,270 | $23,860 | 0.55 |
 University of Phoenix-TexasDallas | — | $47,919 | $49,715 | $45,000 | 0.94 |
 DeVry University-TexasIrving | $17,488 | $47,622 | $47,238 | $56,858 | 1.19 |
 The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa | $10,904 | $46,203 | $45,950 | $22,852 | 0.49 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $43,848 | — | $20,500 | 0.47 |
 Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station | $13,099 | $43,295 | $54,656 | $17,782 | 0.41 |
| National Median | — | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates
Public Relations Managers
Fundraising Managers
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
Editors
Writers and Authors
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Public Relations Specialists
Fundraisers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Baylor University, approximately 13% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 134 graduates with reported earnings and 138 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.