Analysis
Concordia's Communication and Media Studies program outperforms most competitors despite serving a largely working-class student body—40% of students receive Pell grants. Starting at $39,068, graduates earn more than 60% of similar Texas programs and 72% nationally, while keeping debt slightly below both state and national medians. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 means graduates owe about 7.5 months of income, which is manageable for a liberal arts degree.
The caveat matters here: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes vary more than at larger programs. But the consistent outperformance against benchmarks, combined with solid 15% earnings growth to $45,025 by year four, suggests the program delivers real value. Concordia's open admission policy (91% acceptance rate) means students aren't being pre-selected for success—these outcomes reflect what the program itself provides.
For families worried about a communications degree's return on investment, this program ranks in the top third nationally while maintaining accessibility. The debt load is reasonable and the earnings trajectory points upward. Just remember the small sample size means your child's experience could differ more than it would at a school with hundreds of graduates to average out.
Where Concordia University Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Concordia University Texas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concordia University Texas | $39,068 | $45,025 | +15% |
| 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% |
| Baylor University | $43,740 | $53,270 | +22% |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Concordia University TexasAustin | $36,690 | $39,068 | $45,025 | $24,134 | 0.62 |
 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 |
 Baylor UniversityWaco | $54,844 | $43,740 | $53,270 | $23,860 | 0.55 |
| 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 Concordia University Texas, approximately 40% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.