Analysis
Dallas Baptist University's Communications program shows unusually strong earnings momentum, with graduates jumping from $35,812 in year one to $46,811 by year fourβa 31% gain that outpaces most communications programs. While that first-year salary sits just above average, the four-year trajectory suggests graduates are securing better opportunities as they gain experience. Among Texas communications programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, landing ahead of the state median and most competitors, though still trailing UT Austin and the surprisingly high-earning for-profit options.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $22,831, translating to a 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable even with that modest starting salary. This matters for a communications degree, where many graduates struggle with heavier debt loads relative to first-year pay. The combination of below-average debt and above-average long-term earnings creates a workable financial foundation.
For parents, this program represents a solid middle-ground choiceβnot the highest ceiling, but steady upward momentum and debt you can realistically handle. The 91% admission rate means access isn't a barrier, and the earnings growth suggests DBU's network or curriculum helps graduates advance beyond entry-level positions faster than typical. If your child is committed to communications and prefers a Christian university environment in Dallas, the numbers support this as a financially viable path.
Where Dallas Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Dallas Baptist 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Baptist University | $35,812 | $46,811 | +31% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,140 | $35,812 | $46,811 | $22,831 | 0.64 | |
| β | $47,919 | $49,715 | $45,000 | 0.94 | |
| $17,488 | $47,622 | $47,238 | $56,858 | 1.19 | |
| $10,904 | $46,203 | $45,950 | $22,852 | 0.49 | |
| $11,678 | $43,848 | β | $20,500 | 0.47 | |
| $54,844 | $43,740 | $53,270 | $23,860 | 0.55 | |
| National Median | β | $34,959 | β | $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 Dallas Baptist University, approximately 24% 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.