Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,997
74th percentile
Median Debt
$24,567
6% above national median

Analysis

University of Houston's Business Communications program delivers something rare: steady upward trajectory that actually accelerates over time. Graduates earning $46,000 in their first year see that climb to $58,000 by year four—a 27% increase that outpaces typical communication program growth. At the 74th percentile nationally, this program punches above its weight class, particularly considering UH's 70% admission rate and the fact that 41% of students receive Pell grants.

The $24,567 debt load sits right at the state median but below the national average, creating a manageable 0.53 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one. That ratio improves significantly as earnings climb, meaning graduates aren't stuck treading water—they're building momentum. The program ranks at the 60th percentile among Texas business communication programs, though with only two schools offering this specific degree in the state, that comparison has limited utility.

For parents, this represents a solid middle-class launching pad. Your child won't start at tech-company salaries, but they'll have room to grow without being buried in debt. The combination of accessible admission, reasonable costs, and genuine earnings growth makes this a practical choice for students who need to balance affordability with career prospects. Just know that first-year salary of $46,000 requires patience—the real payoff comes as experience accumulates.

Where University of Houston Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business/corporate communications bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Houston$45,997$58,198+27%
Bentley University$57,141$74,655+31%
National University$38,696$69,428+79%
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College$47,880$62,502+31%
Chapman University$39,901$61,840+55%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Business/Corporate Communications bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of HoustonHouston$9,711$45,997$58,198$24,5670.53
Bentley UniversityWaltham$58,150$57,141$74,655$25,0000.44
Aquinas CollegeGrand Rapids$38,520$49,378$51,589$23,2500.47
CUNY Bernard M Baruch CollegeNew York$7,464$47,880$62,502$12,1250.25
Walsh UniversityNorth Canton$34,595$46,213$53,616$30,6190.66
University of Wisconsin-River FallsRiver Falls$8,606$43,149$52,519$22,3750.52
National Median$41,494$23,2500.56

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/corporate communications 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

Technical Writers

Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

$91,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

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

Proofreaders and Copy Markers

Read transcript or proof type setup to detect and mark for correction any grammatical, typographical, or compositional errors. Excludes workers whose primary duty is editing copy. Includes proofreaders of braille.

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 University of Houston, approximately 41% 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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.