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Communication and Media Studies at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,707/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #481 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	$465K	$468K	$443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.9x	12.0x	11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.5x	5.6x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	28	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,992

Out-of-state: $84,132 (5.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$60,548

-55% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,661

10.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,862

44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $27,707/yr fall 21% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 12.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $23,661 against $27,707/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #481 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 44% earnings increase from $27,707 to $39,862 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 7,804 students in Corpus Christi, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi →

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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi?

At 28/100, 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 Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi?

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 Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi'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 →