Journalism at Baylor University

Baylor's journalism program starts graduates at $35,675—essentially matching the Texas median—but stands out for what happens next. By year four, median earnings jump 46% to nearly $52,000, suggesting graduates are landing positions with real advancement potential rather than stalling in entry-level roles. While they're not quite matching SMU or UT Austin grads initially, that gap narrows considerably as careers progress.

The $23,959 debt load sits comfortably below both state and national averages, translating to a 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable for a journalism degree. Given that journalism typically ranks among the lower-earning majors nationally, Baylor's placement in the 60th percentile among Texas programs indicates they're doing something right—whether through network connections, practical training, or placement support that extends beyond traditional journalism into adjacent communications fields where the earnings growth is more robust.

For parents weighing the investment, this program delivers middle-of-the-pack starting salaries with notably better trajectory than typical journalism programs. The moderate debt combined with strong earnings growth creates a workable financial picture, assuming your student is prepared for those leaner early-career years. If they're serious about journalism or strategic communications and value the professional network a school like Baylor provides, the numbers support moving forward.