Communication and Media Studies at Lamar University

Lamar's communication degree produces earnings slightly below what most Texas programs deliver, but the debt load stays manageable and earnings show steady growth. At $32,556 in the first year, graduates earn about $1,400 less than the Texas median for this major—placing this program in the 40th percentile statewide. That's not disastrous, but it means four out of ten Texas schools produce better outcomes. The debt picture offers some relief: $25,669 is close to both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79 that should be payable, if not comfortable.

The 8% earnings growth to $35,050 by year four suggests graduates aren't stuck in entry-level positions forever, though they're still trailing the state median. For context, UT Austin and Baylor communication grads start around $44,000—nearly $11,000 more—while even UT Permian Basin, another regional public school, reaches $46,000. The gap matters because communication degrees already face skepticism about ROI, and Lamar's outcomes land in middle-of-the-pack territory where the value depends heavily on career path and networking.

If your student is drawn to communication and wants to stay near Beaumont with manageable in-state tuition, this program clears the minimum bar: graduates earn more than their debt, and growth suggests improvement over time. But if they can access Houston or Austin schools without substantially more debt, those markets offer stronger earning potential right out of the gate.