Radio, Television, and Digital Communication at West Texas A & M University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
West Texas A&M's media program carries a significant red flag: graduates leave with nearly the highest debt burden nationally (90th percentile) while earning below the Texas median for this field. First-year earnings of $30,615 trail the state average by about $1,150, placing this program in the 40th percentile among Texas media programs—meaning 60% of comparable programs in the state produce higher-earning graduates. The debt load of $17,750, while not catastrophic in absolute terms, represents more than half a year's salary, which matters considerably when starting near $30,000.
The comparison to Texas's top media programs is stark. Graduates from UT Arlington and Texas A&M College Station earn roughly $10,000-$12,000 more annually, creating a compounding advantage that widens the earnings gap over time. Even accounting for the school's 97% admission rate and broad accessibility, the combination of below-state-average earnings and above-state-average debt creates a challenging starting position.
One important caveat: the sample size here is small (under 30 graduates), so these figures might not represent typical outcomes. For families seriously considering this program, the practical reality is clear—expect entry-level media wages with above-average debt. If your student is committed to media in Texas and cost is a primary concern, exploring programs at UT Arlington or Texas A&M College Station could mean starting their career with both lower debt and meaningfully higher earnings.
Where West Texas A & M University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How West Texas A & M University graduates compare to all programs nationally
West Texas A & M University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 54th percentile of all radio, television, and digital communication bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (25 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Texas A & M University | $30,615 | — | $17,750 | 0.58 |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $43,038 | $47,632 | $21,302 | 0.49 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | $41,107 | — | $18,500 | 0.45 |
| Texas Christian University | $38,678 | $46,447 | $22,500 | 0.58 |
| Saint Edward's University | $36,708 | $54,624 | $24,000 | 0.65 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | $34,676 | $53,684 | $24,341 | 0.70 |
| National Median | $29,976 | — | $24,250 | 0.81 |
Other Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington | $11,728 | $43,038 | $21,302 |
| Texas A&M University-College Station College Station | $13,099 | $41,107 | $18,500 |
| Texas Christian University Fort Worth | $57,220 | $38,678 | $22,500 |
| Saint Edward's University Austin | $51,384 | $36,708 | $24,000 |
| The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson | $14,564 | $34,676 | $24,341 |
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 West Texas A & M University, approximately 39% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.