Communication and Media Studies at University of Houston

Houston, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,958/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #75 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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 $576K $565K $513K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.8x 14.6x 13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.4x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,844
Out-of-state: $88,764 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,412
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,205
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,207
59% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,958 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Houston earn slightly above the $35,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.6x 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 11% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,205 represents roughly 7 months of the $37,958 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #75 of 613 nationally, this is a top-5% Communication and Media Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $60,207 show a 59% jump from the $37,958 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Houston

University of Houston accepts 70% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with 37,175 students enrolled in Houston, TX. With 41% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Houston →

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 University of Houston

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Houston?
A score of 49/100 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 $513,078 in decade earnings vs $576,020 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Houston's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #75 of 613 programs nationally, University of Houston lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →