Communication and Media Studies at Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,028/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.5x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #127 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 $607K $592K $532K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.5x 11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.1x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 45 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,408
Out-of-state: $97,804 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,284
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,600
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,488
84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,028/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Texas Tech University land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,600 represents roughly 8 months of the $34,028 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #127 of 613 nationally, this is a top-5% Communication and Media Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $62,488 show a 84% jump from the $34,028 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Texas Tech University

With 71% of applicants admitted, Texas Tech University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 32,446 students in Lubbock, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas Tech 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 Tech University

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Texas Tech University?
A score of 45/100 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 $532,446 in decade earnings vs $606,853 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Texas Tech University's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #127 of 613 programs nationally, Texas Tech University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →