Communication and Media Studies at Southern Methodist University
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (64 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Methodist University | — | $61,734 | — | — |
| University of Phoenix-Texas | $47,919 | $49,715 | $45,000 | 0.94 |
| DeVry University-Texas | $47,622 | $47,238 | $56,858 | 1.19 |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | $46,203 | $45,950 | $22,852 | 0.49 |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $43,848 | — | $20,500 | 0.47 |
| Baylor University | $43,740 | $53,270 | $23,860 | 0.55 |
| National Median | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Phoenix-Texas Dallas | — | $47,919 | $45,000 |
| DeVry University-Texas Irving | $17,488 | $47,622 | $56,858 |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin Odessa | $10,904 | $46,203 | $22,852 |
| The University of Texas at Austin Austin | $11,678 | $43,848 | $20,500 |
| Baylor University Waco | $54,844 | $43,740 | $23,860 |
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 Southern Methodist University, approximately 12% 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.