Communication and Media Studies at Texas State University
San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
39
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,381
56% growth from Year 1
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
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 →