Communication and Media Studies at Midwestern State University

Midwestern State's Communication and Media Studies program starts rough but rebounds strongly. That $25,728 first-year salary—ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally—represents a genuine struggle period, but the 68% earnings growth to $43,182 by year four suggests graduates eventually find their footing in the media landscape.

The $26,000 debt load sits near the national median, which means the real issue isn't excessive borrowing but rather that challenging first year where debt nearly equals earnings. However, context matters: among Texas communication programs, this ranks at the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of in-state competitors deliver better initial outcomes. Top Texas programs like UT Austin and Baylor post starting salaries nearly double what Midwestern State graduates earn initially.

For families weighing this program, the decision hinges on your child's financial cushion during those first few years. If they can weather a period of tight budgets—possibly living at home or working a second job—the trajectory improves significantly. But if they need to start repaying loans immediately after graduation, that 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio will create real strain. Given the 40% Pell Grant rate, many students here face exactly that pressure. Stronger Texas alternatives exist at similar or lower debt levels.