Communication and Media Studiesat University of the Incarnate Word
Graduates earn $17,048/yr in their first year — about 51.0% below the national Communication and Media Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $504K; scenarios range from $469K to $506K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of the Incarnate Word
While the career paths listed for this field have high earning potential, the data suggests that graduates from this specific program are not landing those top-tier roles. This is likely a story of local market dynamics and program focus. San Antonio has a vibrant economy, but it isn't a national hub for corporate communications, big media, or major ad agencies in the way that Austin or Dallas are. Graduates are more likely competing for a smaller pool of local nonprofit, small business, or public sector communications jobs. The program's less selective nature means you won't have the powerful alumni network or on-campus recruiting pipelines of a flagship state school. To beat these odds, your key action is to secure multiple, high-quality internships in a major Texas market before you graduate, even if it means commuting or working remotely.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of the Incarnate Word's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Communication and Media Studies
How University of the Incarnate Word stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of the Incarnate Word
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of the Incarnate Word, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication and Media Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Communication and Media Studies at University of the Incarnate Word
What does a 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of the Incarnate Word?
At 15/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Communication and Media Studies degree from University of the Incarnate Word?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 19 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at University of the Incarnate Word?
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 University of the Incarnate Word a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of the Incarnate Word's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.