Best Value Radio Colleges in Texas

The University of Texas at El Paso delivers the most affordable Radio, Television, and Digital Communication education in Texas at just $10,726 net cost, while Saint Edward's University graduates earn $41,193 annually despite charging nearly four times more. This dramatic cost-to-earnings spectrum reflects Texas's expanding media market, where major broadcasting networks and streaming platforms have established significant operations in Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin markets. Public universities dominate the value equation, with UT Dallas achieving a 70.80% graduation rate alongside strong $39,729 median earnings. The state's 20 programs range from highly accessible options like UT El Paso's 99.92% acceptance rate to selective UT Austin with its 31.35% acceptance rate and $32,450 earnings potential. Texas media markets rank among the nation's largest, creating substantial internship and career opportunities across traditional broadcasting, digital content creation, and emerging streaming platforms throughout major metropolitan areas.

Programs

$8,376 – $41,942

Net Price Range

$31,100

Avg. Program Earnings

56.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas	$10,726	$26,353	$9,744	45.9%	99.9%
2	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152	$35,060	$10,600	51.7%	89.5%
3	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, Texas	$15,235	$34,942	$11,728	56.5%	80.8%
4	The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, Texas	$17,435	$39,729	$14,564	70.8%	84.7%
5	University of North Texas Denton, Texas	$14,352	$28,019	$11,164	59.6%	79.1%
6	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$25,603	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
7	Saint Edward's University Austin, Texas	$23,636	$41,193	$51,384	64.2%	85.1%
8	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$16,438	$27,203	$11,450	56.2%	87.7%
9	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$32,450	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
10	Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	$20,071	$30,475	$11,852	67.5%	67.3%
11	West Texas A & M University Canyon, Texas	$20,841	$26,739	$9,101	47.3%	91.6%
12	Dallas Baptist University Dallas, Texas	$30,092	$33,993	$38,140	60.4%	91.4%
13	Texas Southern University Houston, Texas	$19,734	$21,964	$9,173	19.9%	96.8%
14	Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas	$33,531	$32,467	$57,220	85.6%	56.1%
15	Baylor University Waco, Texas	$41,942	$30,305	$54,844	80.2%	45.9%
16	Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, Texas	$20,924		$13,099	83.8%	62.7%
17	Southwestern Adventist University Keene, Texas	$20,581		$24,588	41.1%	53.6%
18	Sam Houston State University Huntsville, Texas	$16,025		$9,228	55.1%	84.6%
19	Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, Texas	$17,760		$31,728	42.4%
20	Lubbock Christian University Lubbock, Texas	$25,910		$27,298	48.7%	81.6%
21	University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas	$20,498		$35,660	51.8%	94.2%
22	Texas A & M University-Commerce Commerce, Texas	$11,268		$10,026	45.9%	86.5%
23	Texas Wesleyan University Fort Worth, Texas	$19,398		$37,934	32.4%	60.9%
24	Abilene Christian University Abilene, Texas	$27,401		$42,380	60.2%	65.8%
25	University of North Texas at Dallas Dallas, Texas	$8,376		$9,590	43.8%	93.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UT El Paso such an affordable option for media studies?

UT El Paso offers the lowest net cost at $10,726 with a 99.92% acceptance rate, making it accessible to nearly all applicants. The university serves the El Paso-Juárez media market, which spans two countries and provides unique bilingual broadcasting opportunities. Despite the low cost, graduates earn $26,353 annually with manageable debt loads of $20,750.

How do private universities compare to public options in terms of value?

Saint Edward's University charges $23,636 net cost but produces the highest earnings at $41,193, while Dallas Baptist University costs $30,092 with $33,993 earnings. Both private options significantly outpace their costs, though public universities like UT Dallas offer similar earnings potential at $17,435 net cost. The graduation rate advantage goes to privates, with Saint Edward's at 64.20% versus the public average around 55%.

What earnings potential exists across different Texas programs?

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication graduates in Texas earn between $21,964 and $41,193 annually, with Saint Edward's University leading earnings outcomes. UT Dallas produces strong $39,729 median earnings for public university graduates, while Stephen F Austin delivers $35,060 annually. Even the most affordable programs like UT El Paso generate $26,353 in median earnings, providing solid return on investment.

Does program selectivity correlate with graduate outcomes?

UT Austin maintains the most selective admissions at 31.35% acceptance but achieves an strong 87.60% graduation rate with $32,450 earnings. However, less selective programs can deliver comparable value, with UT Dallas accepting 84.74% of applicants while producing $39,729 earnings. Highly accessible programs like UT El Paso's 99.92% acceptance rate still generate meaningful career outcomes in the expanding Texas media markets.

Where do graduates find the best job opportunities in Texas media markets?

Dallas-Fort Worth ranks as the fifth-largest television market nationally, while Houston ranks tenth, creating substantial opportunities for broadcasting and digital media careers. Austin has become a major center for streaming platforms and digital content companies, supporting the University of Texas programs. San Antonio and El Paso provide additional regional market opportunities, with bilingual media serving the state's large Hispanic population creating specialized career paths.

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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.