Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin's Communication and Media Studies program outearns nearly every comparable program in Texas and the nation, achieving $43,848 first-year median earnings—almost $10,000 above the national median and $10,000 above the state median. Among the 64 Texas schools offering this degree, it lands in the 80th percentile, trailing only a handful of competitors including University of Phoenix and DeVry (both primarily online). With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 and just $20,500 in median debt, graduates are entering the workforce in a manageable financial position at one of the state's flagship universities.

The earnings advantage here likely reflects UT Austin's powerful alumni network in Texas media markets and its reputation among employers. While graduates aren't commanding software engineer salaries, they're earning 25% more than typical communications majors nationwide right out of the gate. The relatively lower debt compared to the national median ($20,500 vs. $25,000) makes this even more attractive, particularly for in-state students.

For families concerned about the financial returns of a communications degree—a valid worry given national averages—this program demonstrates that institutional prestige and local market strength matter significantly. Your student would be positioned in the top tier of Texas communications graduates with reasonable debt and access to Austin's booming media and tech scene.