Location: San Antonio, TX•In-State Tuition: $8,991•Out-of-State Tuition: $21,965•Admission Rate: 88%•Avg SAT: 1102
Median Earnings (1yr)
$34,314
46th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$22,923
8% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.67 ManageableSample: 325 graduates

Analysis

UTSA's Communication and Media Studies program stands out for its impressive earnings trajectory, with graduates seeing a robust 30% income boost from $34,314 to $44,543 between their first and fourth years post-graduation. While starting salaries land near the national median, this growth pattern suggests the program effectively prepares students for career advancement in media and communications fields.

The financial picture looks quite manageable. With median debt of $22,923—below both national and Texas averages for this field—graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.67, meaning they owe less than what they earn in their first year. Among Texas communication programs, UTSA ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while keeping debt reasonable, outperforming the state median salary of $33,906.

For parents weighing options, UTSA offers solid value in this competitive field. While it doesn't crack the top tier of Texas programs (UT Austin and Baylor command higher starting salaries), the combination of modest debt, steady earnings growth, and accessible admission makes it a practical choice. The program's ability to launch graduates into career paths with meaningful income progression, rather than stagnant wages, suggests students develop marketable skills that employers increasingly value over time.

Where The University of Texas at San Antonio Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

The University of Texas at San AntonioOther communication and media studies programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How The University of Texas at San Antonio graduates compare to all programs nationally

The University of Texas at San Antonio earns $34k — 46th percentile among communication and media studies bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
The University of Texas at San Antonio$34,314$44,543+30%
Texas Christian University$32,123$61,473+91%
University of Houston$37,958$56,081+48%
Texas A&M University-College Station$43,295$54,656+26%
Baylor University$43,740$53,270+22%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (64 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
The University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio$8,991$34,314$44,543$22,9230.67
University of Phoenix-TexasDallas—$47,919$49,715$45,0000.94
DeVry University-TexasIrving$17,488$47,622$47,238$56,8581.19
The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa$10,904$46,203$45,950$22,8520.49
The University of Texas at AustinAustin$11,678$43,848—$20,5000.47
Baylor UniversityWaco$54,844$43,740$53,270$23,8600.55
National Median—$34,959—$25,0000.72

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

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 The University of Texas at San Antonio, approximately 42% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 325 graduates with reported earnings and 340 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.