Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Saint Edward's University

Based on comparable communications programs in Texas, Saint Edward's graduates can expect first-year earnings around $41,363—right at the state median but trailing UT Austin and private competitors by $6,000-$10,000 annually. That's a meaningful gap when you're trying to establish yourself in Austin's competitive media and PR market, especially given the city's high cost of living.

The estimated $25,832 in debt produces a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio, better than the national median for this field. However, that calculation assumes you're earning at the Texas median. If first-year earnings come in lower—entirely possible in a field where unpaid internships and entry-level salaries can vary widely—the debt burden feels heavier. With 39% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on that first paycheck to matter.

The core question is whether Saint Edward's smaller program delivers networking advantages or employer connections that justify choosing it over more established Texas communications programs. The school's accessible admissions (84% acceptance rate) opens doors for students who might not get into UT Austin, but the outcome estimates suggest you're paying similar private-school debt for mid-market earnings. If your child has strong self-promotion skills and can leverage Austin's tech and creative sectors independently, this could work. Otherwise, programs with actual reported outcomes showing higher earnings deserve serious consideration.