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Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at Tyler

Tyler, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,586/yr (-22% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #459 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	$474K	$477K	$449K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.0x	12.0x	11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.7x	4.7x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	29	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$39,680

Out-of-state: $100,792 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$55,724

-40% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,704

6.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$41,308

50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $27,586/yr fall 22% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 12.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $14,704 against $27,586/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #459 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places The University of Texas at Tyler in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 50% earnings increase from $27,586 to $41,308 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About The University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 7,009 students in Tyler, TX.

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

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 Tyler

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at Tyler?

At 29/100, 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 Tyler?

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 The University of Texas at Tyler a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas at Tyler's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →