Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Texas Tech University

Texas Tech's PR and advertising program shows something unexpected: graduates start near the Texas median but see stronger-than-average earnings growth over time. While first-year earnings of $41,023 place the program at just the 40th percentile in Texas—behind UT Austin, TCU, and SMU—four-year earnings climb to $51,556, a 26% increase that suggests graduates are successfully advancing in their careers. That $21,500 in typical debt is lower than both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52.

The program's position makes sense when you consider the numbers: nationally, it performs solidly (62nd percentile), but Texas has unusually strong communications programs, with elite private schools like SMU pulling up the state median. For a public university with a 71% admission rate, this program punches above its weight—delivering earnings that eventually approach those of much more selective institutions, without the private school debt load.

For parents weighing this option, the value proposition is clear: lower upfront debt and steady career progression, even if starting salaries trail Texas's top programs. If your child needs a more accessible admissions path or wants to avoid $40,000+ in debt, Texas Tech offers a sensible entry point into communications careers with room to grow.