Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Southern Methodist University

SMU communications graduates start at $51,828—a full $10,000 above the Texas median and more than 95% of similar programs nationally. Even more impressive, they're doing this with just $19,750 in debt, well below both state and national averages for this major. That 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can manage their loans on less than 5 months' salary, a remarkably favorable starting position for a communications field that often comes with higher debt loads.

The program outperforms nearly every public university alternative in Texas, trailing only TCU and UT-Austin among major competitors. What's notable here is the trajectory: four years out, median earnings climb to $65,215, representing 26% growth. That's the kind of career momentum that matters in communications, where your first few years often determine your ceiling. The Dallas location likely plays a role—the city's concentration of major corporate headquarters and advertising agencies creates natural advantages for networking and career progression that graduates seem to be capitalizing on.

With moderate debt and earnings that significantly exceed state norms, this program offers one of the better financial propositions for communications students in Texas. The combination of lower borrowing costs and stronger early-career outcomes puts graduates in a position to invest in career development rather than just servicing debt.