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Communication and Media Studies at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,386/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #115 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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	$565K	$556K	$506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.3x	12.1x	11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.1x	6.0x	5.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$45,800

Out-of-state: $92,840 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$65,752

-44% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,381

56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,386/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $21,500 against $37,386/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Texas State University ranks #115 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $37,386-to-$58,381 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Texas State University

Texas State University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 34,547 students in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas State 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 State 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 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Texas State University?

At 46/100, 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 Texas State 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.

Is Texas State University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Texas State University's #115 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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