Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio

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.