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Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,748/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.3x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #374 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 $527K $523K $483K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.4x 13.3x 12.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.6x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,436
Out-of-state: $79,756 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$26,000
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,540
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,282
81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,748/yr fall 24% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 13.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $11,540 in median debt against $26,748 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #374 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,748-to-$48,282 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 27,026 students enrolled in Edinburg, TX. 64% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. The average net cost of $26,000 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley →

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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($77,619) Mechanical Engineering ($60,924) Computer Engineering ($57,841) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($56,421) Music ($56,373) Civil Engineering ($54,182) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($49,910) Social Sciences, General ($47,248)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Rio Grande Valley?
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 Rio Grande Valley?
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 Rio Grande Valley a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley'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 →