Communication and Media Studies at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

The small sample size here demands caution, but the available data suggests University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's Communication and Media Studies program performs solidly within Texas, even if it doesn't crack the state's top tier. At $34,282, first-year earnings sit above the Texas median for this major ($33,906) and place graduates at the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful distinction when you consider there are 64 programs competing in this space. The $23,000 debt load comes in slightly below both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio that should allow most graduates to handle repayment without extreme stress.

The reality check: this program produces significantly lower earnings than Texas powerhouses like UT Austin ($43,848) or even regional options like UT Permian Basin ($46,203). That $10,000+ gap matters when you're making loan payments. However, Communications majors rarely command high starting salaries anywhere—the national median is only $34,959—so these numbers reflect typical market conditions rather than a program-specific weakness.

For families focused on minimizing debt while staying in Texas, this represents a reasonable middle-ground option. The combination of moderate debt and slightly-above-average state earnings creates a workable financial foundation, though students serious about maximizing earnings should explore whether those higher-ranked Texas programs are within reach academically and financially.