Communication and Media Studies at Southwestern University

Southwestern's communication program shows promising mid-term earnings growth, but that small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could swing dramatically with just a few high or low earners. That said, the pattern here is worth examining: graduates start at $34,050 but reach $47,630 by year four, a 40% jump that outpaces what most communication majors see nationally. Among Texas programs, this lands solidly above the state median of $33,906, putting it in the 60th percentile statewide—though notably behind UT Austin and Baylor, where graduates earn around $44,000.

The debt picture is reasonable at $26,000, roughly in line with national norms for this major. The 0.76 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about nine months of their starting salary, which is manageable if that earnings trajectory holds. The challenge is knowing whether it will—communication careers can vary wildly based on industry, employer connections, and individual hustle, and with so few data points, these figures might reflect a handful of particularly successful (or struggling) alumni rather than the typical experience.

For parents, this comes down to confidence in fit and outcomes. If your child is certain about communication and Southwestern's network and career services can help them land solid first jobs, the trajectory looks decent. But with limited data and several stronger-performing Texas options at similar or lower cost, you're essentially betting on your student being in that upwardly mobile group. Make sure they have a plan beyond graduation before committing.