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Communication and Media Studies at University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
15
Base Case
12
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,048/yr (-51% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #613 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 $506K $504K $469K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 15 15 12

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$142,640
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,992
43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
19.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,408
131% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $17,048 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of the Incarnate Word earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 3.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 7% 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 a 1.6x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #613 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places University of the Incarnate Word in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $17,048-to-$39,408 earnings arc over five years reflects a 131% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of the Incarnate Word

With 93% of applicants admitted, University of the Incarnate Word prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,545 students in San Antonio, TX. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. The average net cost of $81,992 over four years represents a 43% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of the Incarnate Word →

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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at University of the Incarnate Word

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($64,720) Human Resources Management and Services ($58,499) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($47,241) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($46,092) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($44,173) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,843) Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($41,126) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($40,453)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of the Incarnate Word?
At 15/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Communication and Media Studies degree from University of the Incarnate Word?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 19 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at University of the Incarnate Word?
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 University of the Incarnate Word a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of the Incarnate Word'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 →