Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,766/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #544 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

Program Analysis

While the national salary figures for communication careers look promising, your earnings potential with this degree is heavily tied to the local El Paso job market. UTEP serves as a vital engine for the regional economy, and many graduates find roles supporting local government, school districts, healthcare systems, and cross-border businesses. These are important community-focused positions, but they often don't command the high salaries found in major media hubs like Austin or New York City. The career paths you see are achievable, but reaching those top-tier salaries will likely require relocating after graduation or building a freelance career with clients in higher-paying markets. Your key action item: aggressively pursue internships with national companies that have a local presence to build a network beyond the immediate region before you even graduate.

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 $391K $404K $397K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 10.4x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 4.0x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,976
Out-of-state: $102,048 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,904
-10% less than sticker · See by income

About The University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso accepts 100% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 20,547 students enrolled in El Paso, TX. With 61% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

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

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 El Paso

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 The University of Texas at El Paso?
A score of 25/100 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 $396,977 in decade earnings vs $391,172 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from The University of Texas at El Paso?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →