Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degree) at West Texas A & M University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$30,615

54th percentile

40th percentile in Texas

Median Debt

$17,750

27% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How West Texas A & M University graduates compare to all 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)

Scroll to see more →

School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
West Texas A & M UniversityCanyon	$9,101	$30,615	—	$17,750	0.58
The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington	$11,728	$43,038	$47,632	$21,302	0.49
Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station	$13,099	$41,107	—	$18,500	0.45
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth	$57,220	$38,678	$46,447	$22,500	0.58
Saint Edward's UniversityAustin	$51,384	$36,708	$54,624	$24,000	0.65
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson	$14,564	$34,676	$53,684	$24,341	0.70
National Median	—	$29,976	—	$24,250	0.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with radio, television, and digital communication graduates

Web and Digital Interface Designers

Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Video Game Designers

Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.

$95,380/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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:

Producers and Directors

Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Talent Directors

Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Media Technical Directors/Managers

Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.

$83,480/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

$70,570/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

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.