Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Saint Edward's University

Saint Edward's graduates from this program start at $36,708—outpacing the national median by over $6,700 and placing this program in the 87th percentile nationally. That's a strong first-year outcome for a communications degree. However, the state picture is more nuanced: this program lands around the 60th percentile in Texas, notably trailing flagship options like UT Arlington ($43,000) and Texas A&M ($41,000). Still, the $24,000 debt load is manageable, translating to a 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio that parents should find reasonable.

What makes this program intriguing is the earnings trajectory. Graduates see nearly 50% income growth by year four, reaching $54,624—suggesting the Austin market rewards experience in media and digital communications. That's meaningful upward mobility in a field often criticized for stagnant wages. The Austin location itself likely drives some of this premium, given the city's thriving tech and creative sectors.

The major caveat: fewer than 30 graduates reported data, so these numbers could swing considerably year to year. But if you're choosing between Saint Edward's and a lower-tier Texas program, the national rankings and earnings growth suggest this is a viable path—just recognize you're not getting flagship-level starting salaries. For families comfortable with that initial earnings gap and confident in their student's ability to leverage Austin's opportunities, the investment pencils out.