Median Earnings (1yr)
$35,812
55th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$22,831
9% below national median

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 fourβ€”a 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 choiceβ€”not 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Dallas Baptist UniversityDallas$38,140$35,812$46,811$22,8310.64
University of Phoenix-TexasDallasβ€”$47,919$49,715$45,0000.94
DeVry University-TexasIrving$17,488$47,622$47,238$56,8581.19
The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa$10,904$46,203$45,950$22,8520.49
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$43,848β€”$20,5000.47
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$43,740$53,270$23,8600.55
National Medianβ€”$34,959β€”$25,0000.72

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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.