Communication and Media Studies at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's communication program starts graduates at $27,707—about $6,000 below the Texas median and nearly $7,300 below the national average. Among the 64 Texas schools offering this degree, it lands in just the 25th percentile. That means three-quarters of Texas communication programs produce higher-earning graduates, including UT Austin ($43,848) and even regional competitors like UT Permian Basin ($46,203).

The debt load of $26,000 is roughly average for the field, but when paired with first-year earnings that barely exceed it, the financial picture becomes tight. Graduates do see 21% income growth by year four, reaching $33,587, which at least approaches state and national norms. However, starting nearly $20,000 behind top Texas programs means playing catch-up throughout early career years.

For families considering this program, understand that you're paying near-average debt for below-average outcomes in a state with many stronger alternatives. The 89% admission rate and high Pell enrollment suggest accessibility, but that access comes with measurable earnings consequences. If your student is set on this region and can secure scholarships to reduce that $26,000 debt burden, the program becomes more defensible—but direct admission to a higher-ranked Texas program would clearly deliver better returns.