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Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,314/yr (-2% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 14.3x earnings multiple (5.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #187 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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	$517K	$514K	$476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.4x	14.3x	13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.9x	5.9x	5.4x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	42	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,964

Out-of-state: $87,860 (5.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$44,936

-25% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,655

7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,189

46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

The University of Texas at San Antonio's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $34,314/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

With a 14.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $21,655 against $34,314/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #187 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places The University of Texas at San Antonio in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 46% earnings increase from $34,314 to $50,189 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About The University of Texas at San Antonio

A 88% acceptance rate means The University of Texas at San Antonio is accessible to most applicants, with 29,675 students enrolled in San Antonio, TX. With 42% 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 San Antonio →

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 San Antonio

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at San Antonio?

At 42/100, 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 San Antonio?

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 →