Communication and Media Studies at Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,123/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #405 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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 $713K $685K $599K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.0x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$228,880
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$134,124
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,722
129% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,123/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The financial case is thin at 3.0x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 16% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,500 represents roughly 8 months of the $32,123 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #405 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Texas Christian University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $73,722 show a 129% jump from the $32,123 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Texas Christian University

A 43% admission rate makes Texas Christian University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a mid-sized student body of 10,919 in Fort Worth, TX. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $134,124 — 41% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas Christian 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 Texas Christian University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Texas Christian University?
A score of 32/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $599,346 in decade earnings vs $713,364 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →