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

Journalism bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (20 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Texas Christian University$53,614
Southern Methodist University$40,502$51,501$19,4480.48
The University of Texas at Austin$39,336$51,204$21,5000.55
University of North Texas$38,118$47,700$19,8770.52
University of Houston$36,226$42,967$21,5000.59
Baylor University$35,675$51,918$23,9590.67
National Median$34,515$24,2500.70

Other Journalism Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Southern Methodist University
Dallas
$64,460$40,502$19,448
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin
$11,678$39,336$21,500
University of North Texas
Denton
$11,164$38,118$19,877
University of Houston
Houston
$9,711$36,226$21,500
Baylor University
Waco
$54,844$35,675$23,959

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 Texas Christian University, approximately 13% 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.