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Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,766/yr (-32% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #544 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	$391K	$404K	$397K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.0x	10.4x	10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.8x	4.0x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,976

Out-of-state: $102,048 (4.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$42,904

-10% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,766 place The University of Texas at El Paso below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a -1% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #544 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, The University of Texas at El Paso falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About The University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso accepts 100% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 20,547 students enrolled in El Paso, TX. With 61% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at El Paso →

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 The University of Texas at El Paso

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at The University of Texas at El Paso?

A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?

With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $396,977 in decade earnings vs $391,172 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from The University of Texas at El Paso?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →