Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at Texas State University

Texas State's media program starts below $32,000 but shows impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 32% to reach $42,000 by year four—outpacing both the state median ($31,762) and ranking at the 60th percentile among Texas programs. The debt load of $21,858 is notably lower than the state and national averages, creating a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio that positions graduates to pay down loans while building their careers. With a robust sample size, these numbers reflect consistent outcomes rather than outliers.

The gap with top-tier programs like UT Arlington ($43,000 first-year) closes considerably by year four, suggesting Texas State grads catch up as they gain experience. This pattern fits media industry norms where entry-level work—internships, production assistant roles, small market positions—pays modestly before better opportunities emerge. The strong earnings growth indicates graduates are successfully transitioning into higher-paying roles in broadcasting, digital media, or corporate communications.

For families weighing options, Texas State delivers solid value: you're looking at below-average debt with earnings that match the state median initially and grow substantially. Your child won't start at the same salary as peers at flagship programs, but the trajectory is promising and the financial risk is lower. If they're willing to hustle through those early years, the four-year earnings put them in competitive territory without the debt burden that could come from pricier alternatives.