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Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Texas

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Texas A&M International University offers the state's most affordable Communication and Media Studies program at just $3,061 net cost, though graduates earn $22,923 annually. At the opposite end, UT Permian Basin charges $9,144 but delivers the highest earnings at $52,107, creating a fascinating cost-benefit calculation for students. Texas public universities dominate this field, with 14 of the top 15 programs charging under $16,000 annually. The state's massive healthcare infrastructure, anchored by Houston's Texas Medical Center, creates unique opportunities for health communication specialists and medical media professionals. Communication graduates find roles in patient education, hospital marketing, and health journalism across major employers like HCA Healthcare and MD Anderson Cancer Center. With net costs ranging from $3,061 to $20,924 and earnings spanning $22,923 to $52,107, Texas programs show how strategic school selection can dramatically impact both debt load and career trajectory in this evolving field.
50
Programs
$3,061 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$32,969
Avg. Program Earnings
50.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,061 $22,923 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
2 $5,458 $38,289 $3,148 26.8%
3 $9,144 $52,107 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
4 $6,500 $27,512 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
5 $8,624 $32,925 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
6 $11,056 $39,369 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
7 $11,234 $35,100 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
8 $10,204 $31,851 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
9 $11,429 $33,281 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
10 $11,882 $33,281 $10,310 41.3% 92.4%
11 $13,853 $36,401 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
12 $10,095 $23,649 $12,500 20.0%
13 $12,915 $28,469 $8,319 40.7% 79.1%
14 $14,623 $30,854 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
15 $15,152 $31,133 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
16 $13,931 $28,598 $9,920 46.8% 93.9%
17 $16,025 $32,332 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
18 $20,071 $40,488 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
19 $16,438 $32,058 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
20 $20,924 $40,068 $13,099 83.8% 62.7%
21 $14,041 $24,863 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
22 $15,137 $26,353 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%
23 $21,352 $34,526 $36,242 58.8% 86.2%
24 $21,031 $33,993 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
25 $23,650 $36,848 $51,352 81.9% 30.5%
26 $20,261 $29,685 $7,878 51.2% 87.1%
27 $23,636 $33,637 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
28 $22,587 $31,848 $34,920 55.2% 91.8%
29 $22,240 $31,133 $36,690 40.5% 85.7%
30 $20,498 $26,850 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
31 $33,531 $43,240 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
32 $30,092 $38,072 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%
33 $27,468 $32,925 $51,058 69.3% 44.8%
34 $20,841 $21,508 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
35 $41,778 $42,044 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
36 $23,451 $23,351 $46,500 69.5% 54.4%
37 $41,942 $38,289 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
38 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
39 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
40 $12,637 $7,930 31.2% 91.5%
41 $23,790 $30,050 48.0% 67.7%
42 $19,734 $9,173 19.9% 96.8%
43 $19,398 $37,934 32.4% 60.9%
44 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
45 $13,220 $9,548 29.4% 96.1%
46 $12,714 $14,520 99.2%
47 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
48 $15,235 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
49 $14,352 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
50 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UT Permian Basin worth its $9,144 cost compared to cheaper options?

UT Permian Basin graduates earn $52,107 annually, nearly double the state average of $32,000 for communication majors. The school maintains a 43% graduation rate with 95% acceptance, making it accessible yet effective. Students graduate with $17,515 in debt but see strong return on investment in West Texas's energy sector.

How do Texas public universities compare to private options for communication studies?

Wiley University represents the lone private option at $10,095 net cost, falling between many public schools. However, its 20% graduation rate significantly trails public alternatives like UT San Antonio at 51.2% or University of Houston at 64.9%. Public universities offer better completion rates and similar costs across the state.

Is University of Houston worth the $13,853 cost for communication majors?

University of Houston delivers the state's highest graduation rate at 64.9% for communication students, justifying its higher cost. Graduates earn $36,401 annually with $23,205 in debt, placing it in the middle for earnings but top tier for completion. The school's Houston location provides internship access to major media markets and healthcare communication roles.

Does geographic location affect earnings for Texas communication graduates?

Border region schools like Texas A&M International ($22,923 earnings) and UT Rio Grande Valley ($27,512) show lower graduate salaries than urban programs. Houston-area schools like University of Houston ($36,401) and UH-Clear Lake ($39,369) benefit from major market proximity. West Texas programs like UT Permian Basin lead earnings at $52,107 due to energy industry demand.

Where can students find the best graduation rates among affordable programs?

UT San Antonio combines reasonable costs at $11,234 with a solid 51.2% graduation rate, matching the state pattern. Stephen F Austin achieves 51.7% completion at $15,152, while University of Houston leads at 64.9% despite higher costs. Schools under $12,000 like UH-Clear Lake still maintain above-average completion at 50.9%.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.