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Communication and Media Studies at Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $43,740/yr (24% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #309 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication and Media Studies graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$591K	$578K	$522K
Earnings Multiple	2.7x	2.6x	2.4x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	36	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$219,376

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$167,768

24% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,250

6.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$64,645

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $43,740 at Baylor University come in 24% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,250 against $43,740/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #309 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Baylor University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 48% earnings increase from $43,740 to $64,645 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Baylor University

A 51% admission rate makes Baylor University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a mid-sized student body of 15,007 in Waco, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Baylor University →

Top Career Paths

Public relations managers $138,520/yr

Fundraising managers $123,480/yr

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr

View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Baylor University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Baylor University?

At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Baylor University?

The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →