Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,540
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,282
81% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
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 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 →