Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at University of Houston

University of Houston's communications program delivers something uncommon in this field: graduates earn more than they would at UT Austin while taking on roughly half the debt. With first-year earnings of $42,472 and debt of just $23,800, students face one of the more manageable financial starts in Texas communications—only the pricier private schools like SMU and TCU push earnings higher, but at presumably steeper costs.

The growth trajectory looks promising too. That 17% earnings increase to nearly $50,000 by year four exceeds typical patterns for communications majors, and the program ranks in the 75th percentile nationally. Being in Houston, the fourth-largest U.S. city with major corporate headquarters and agencies, likely explains why graduates outpace the national median by $2,700. The 60th percentile ranking within Texas is respectable given that this program costs significantly less than UT Austin while producing similar employment outcomes.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means graduates owe about seven months' salary—well within the "safe" range financial advisors recommend. For families weighing in-state options, this program offers practical value: you're getting top-quarter national results at a public school price point. The 70% admission rate and strong Pell enrollment suggest accessibility without sacrificing outcomes. If your child wants communications training in a major media market without gambling on whether they'll land that agency job that justifies SMU's premium, this represents a solid middle path.