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Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,990/yr (-6% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #376 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	$440K	$447K	$428K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.4x	9.5x	9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.7x	3.8x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	33	33	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$46,912

Out-of-state: $118,640 (3.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$60,940

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,808

5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,990 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 9.5x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% 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 $15,808 in median debt against $32,990 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #376 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places The University of Texas at Arlington in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington has a 81% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 30,834 students enrolled in Arlington, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Arlington →

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 The University of Texas at Arlington

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 does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington?

At 33/100, 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 The University of Texas at Arlington?

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 →