Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Rankings / By State

Best Communications Colleges in Texas

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker Updated 2026-07-13 33 schools Agent Insights
33
Schools
$56,230
Avg. Earnings
54%
Avg. Graduation
$19,233
Avg. Net Price
$21,834
Avg. Debt

CollegeRanker Research

What Surprised Us Most

  1. Median graduate earnings across these 33 schools run from $29,288 to $78,354, a 2.7× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.

  2. Texas A&M University-Victoria delivers the most for the money: roughly $54,467 in median earnings against $8,109 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.

  3. University of North Texas at Dallas is the lowest-cost school here at $6,420 a year in net price.

  4. The University of Texas at Austin graduates 88% of its students, versus a 54% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.

  5. Southern Methodist University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.25× their annual earnings.

Surprising Comparisons

The Takeaway

A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.

What This Means for Students

For students evaluating these schools, begin with Texas A&M University-Victoria and The University of Texas at Austin. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.

Why this ranking matters

Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $57K within a decade, and pr specialist roles are projected to grow 6%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.

How we measure this — full methodology →

How we rank · 4 pillars

Economic outcomes30%
Social mobility35%
Value (earnings vs. cost)20%
Academic quality15%

Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →

$67,440
Median pay · PR Specialist
BLS occupation data
6%
Projected job growth
BLS outlook
$57K
Median grad earnings
10 yrs after entry
$19K
Average net price
After grants/aid
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
33 institutions ranked
2026-07-13 Last updated
100% Public / federal sources

Source datasets

Methodology

Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.

See the full methodology and weights →

Confidence notes

  • Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
  • Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
  • Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.

Limitations

  • Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
  • Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
  • An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
  • Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.

At a Glance

How the Top Schools Compare

School Earnings Net Price Graduation Score
$75,121
▲ +34% vs avg
$19,857 88%
80
$68,424
▲ +22% vs avg
$36,660 86%
77
3
Trinity University
#3 overall
$71,668
▲ +27% vs avg
$23,464 83%
76
$56,906
▲ +1% vs avg
$16,805 56%
75
$62,454
▲ +11% vs avg
$19,070 68%
74

Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.

See full ranking →

Executive Summary

Best Communications Colleges in Texas

This analysis ranks 33 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $56,230 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 54% and an average net price of $19,233.

Key takeaways

Research Note

110%
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Data from CollegeRanker’s review of 5,745 U.S. colleges (n=3,655). Mean net price and mean 10-year earnings by ownership type (College Scorecard).

Humanities & Creative Fields Analysis

What does this ranking tell us about the value of a humanities and creative education?

$56,440

Median earnings (10yr)

55%

Median graduation rate

$16,590

Median net price

2.0%

Avg. mobility rate

Arts, communications, and humanities programs draw perpetual skepticism about their payoff. Early earnings do start lower, and the path is less linear. The core skills compound, though. Writing, judgment, persuasion, and creative problem-solving gain value over a career, and they are the abilities automation has been slowest to replicate.

Start with the medians across these 33 schools. Graduates earn a median of $56,440 ten years after enrollment, or about $8,440 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 55%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $16,590 a year with about $21,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 41% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.0%.

What we’re seeing: outcomes in these fields vary widely, and affordability matters most precisely where early earnings start slow. Median earnings of $56,440 ten years after enrollment against a $16,590 net price show why low cost is the lever that turns a humanities degree into a clear win.

The podium

Build your ranking

Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.

Academic 15%
Economic 30%
Social mobility 35%
Value 20%

Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.

Full rankings

1
·
The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · 27% accepted · $19,857 net

80

Why it ranks #1

The University of Texas at Austin lands at #1 with a 80/100 composite, led by academic quality (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $75,121 a decade after enrolling, 34% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,857 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
86
Economic
75
Social mobility
83
Value
63
View full profile →
2
·
Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX · 44% accepted · $36,660 net

77

Why it ranks #2

Texas Christian University lands at #2 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (89/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $68,424 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,660 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
89
Economic
73
Social mobility
80
Value
48
View full profile →
3
·
Trinity University

San Antonio, TX · 26% accepted · $23,464 net

76

Why it ranks #3

Trinity University lands at #3 with a 76/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $71,668 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,464 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
85
Economic
73
Social mobility
82
Value
58
View full profile →
4
·
Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · 89% accepted · $16,805 net

75

Why it ranks #4

Texas State University lands at #4 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $56,906 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,805 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
72
Economic
68
Social mobility
83
Value
61
View full profile →
5
·
Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · 73% accepted · $19,070 net

74

Why it ranks #5

Texas Tech University lands at #5 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $62,454 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,070 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
61
Economic
70
Social mobility
82
Value
60
View full profile →
6
·
University of North Texas

Denton, TX · 72% accepted · $15,649 net

74

Why it ranks #6

University of North Texas lands at #6 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $57,010 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,649 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
72
Economic
69
Social mobility
82
Value
64
View full profile →
7
·
Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · 63% accepted · $40,892 net

73

Why it ranks #7

Southern Methodist University lands at #7 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $78,354 a decade after enrolling, 39% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,892 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
64
Economic
77
Social mobility
81
Value
43
View full profile →
8
·
The University of Texas Permian Basin

Odessa, TX · 95% accepted · $12,723 net

73

Why it ranks #8

The University of Texas Permian Basin lands at #8 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $56,073 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,723 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
65
Economic
69
Social mobility
84
Value
68
View full profile →
9
·
The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX · 80% accepted · $13,951 net

73

Why it ranks #9

The University of Texas at Arlington lands at #9 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,199 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,951 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
54
Economic
72
Social mobility
83
Value
68
View full profile →
10
·
Texas A&M University-College Station

College Station, TX · 57% accepted · $21,315 net

72

Why it ranks #10

Texas A&M University-College Station lands at #10 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $72,097 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,315 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
87
Economic
76
Social mobility
Value
64
View full profile →
11
·
Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX · 90% accepted · $16,404 net

72

Why it ranks #11

Sam Houston State University lands at #11 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $54,211 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,404 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
70
Economic
67
Social mobility
83
Value
60
View full profile →
12
·
The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX · 87% accepted · $10,836 net

71

Why it ranks #12

The University of Texas at San Antonio lands at #12 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $57,131 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,836 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
55
Economic
68
Social mobility
82
Value
70
View full profile →
13
·
Baylor University

Waco, TX · 51% accepted · $41,104 net

71

Why it ranks #13

Baylor University lands at #13 with a 71/100 composite, led by academic quality (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $65,793 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,104 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
80
Economic
71
Social mobility
79
Value
40
View full profile →
14
·
Southwestern University

Georgetown, TX · 43% accepted · $29,224 net

70

Why it ranks #14

Southwestern University lands at #14 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $56,878 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,224 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
77
Economic
65
Social mobility
83
Value
43
View full profile →
15
·
Dallas Baptist University

Dallas, TX · 89% accepted · $28,516 net

70

Why it ranks #15

Dallas Baptist University lands at #15 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $56,807 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,516 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
73
Economic
67
Social mobility
82
Value
45
View full profile →
16
·
The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, TX · 100% accepted · $9,403 net

70

Why it ranks #16

The University of Texas at El Paso lands at #16 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $50,923 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,403 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
46
Economic
65
Social mobility
81
Value
74
View full profile →
17
·
Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX · 66% accepted · $26,182 net

68

Why it ranks #17

Abilene Christian University lands at #17 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $55,736 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,182 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
69
Economic
65
Social mobility
82
Value
48
View full profile →
18
·
Southwestern Adventist University

Keene, TX · 78% accepted · $22,778 net

68

Why it ranks #18

Southwestern Adventist University lands at #18 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $52,946 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,778 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
70
Economic
62
Social mobility
85
Value
49
View full profile →
19
·
Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, TX · 73% accepted · $24,456 net

66

Why it ranks #19

Lubbock Christian University lands at #19 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $53,787 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,456 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
59
Economic
66
Social mobility
83
Value
43
View full profile →
20
·
Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, TX · 69% accepted · $24,066 net

66

Why it ranks #20

Texas Wesleyan University lands at #20 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,053 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,066 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
51
Economic
65
Social mobility
83
Value
49
View full profile →
21
·
University of Houston

Houston, TX · 74% accepted · $14,276 net

65

Why it ranks #21

University of Houston lands at #21 with a 65/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (61/100). Graduates earn a median $62,377 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,276 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
63
Economic
72
Social mobility
61
Value
68
View full profile →
22
·
Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, TX · $16,442 net

65

Why it ranks #22

Our Lady of the Lake University lands at #22 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,675 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,442 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
52
Economic
62
Social mobility
85
Value
53
View full profile →
23
·
Texas Southern University

Houston, TX · 97% accepted · $16,590 net

64

Why it ranks #23

Texas Southern University lands at #23 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $38,924 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,590 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
44
Economic
52
Social mobility
85
Value
48
View full profile →
24
·
Texas A&M University-Victoria

Victoria, TX · 96% accepted · $8,109 net

62

Why it ranks #24

Texas A&M University-Victoria lands at #24 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $54,467 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,109 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
51
Economic
69
Social mobility
Value
74
View full profile →
25
·
Saint Edward's University

Austin, TX · 81% accepted · $25,578 net

62

Why it ranks #25

Saint Edward's University lands at #25 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $58,826 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,578 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
68
Economic
66
Social mobility
67
Value
46
View full profile →
26
·
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, TX · 89% accepted · $15,225 net

61

Why it ranks #26

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi lands at #26 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $51,865 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,225 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
57
Economic
65
Social mobility
63
Value
62
View full profile →
27
·
Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Texarkana, TX · 64% accepted · $12,997 net

61

Why it ranks #27

Texas A&M University-Texarkana lands at #27 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $45,515 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,997 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
55
Economic
64
Social mobility
64
Value
65
View full profile →
28
·
St. Mary's University

San Antonio, TX · 98% accepted · $21,145 net

60

Why it ranks #28

St. Mary's University lands at #28 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $56,955 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,145 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
68
Economic
66
Social mobility
61
Value
51
View full profile →
29
·
Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX · 79% accepted · $13,570 net

59

Why it ranks #29

Prairie View A & M University lands at #29 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $45,411 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,570 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
60
Economic
58
Social mobility
68
Value
55
View full profile →
30
·
Texas A&M University-San Antonio

San Antonio, TX · 93% accepted · $11,196 net

58

Why it ranks #30

Texas A&M University-San Antonio lands at #30 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $54,338 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,196 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
62
Economic
58
Social mobility
58
Value
69
View full profile →
31
·
University of North Texas at Dallas

Dallas, TX · 84% accepted · $6,420 net

54

Why it ranks #31

University of North Texas at Dallas lands at #31 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (49/100). Net price runs $6,420 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
66
Economic
53
Social mobility
49
Value
77
View full profile →
32
·
Wiley University

Marshall, TX · $7,092 net

54

Why it ranks #32

Wiley University lands at #32 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (68/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $33,159 a decade after enrolling, 41% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,092 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
38
Economic
51
Social mobility
68
Value
63
View full profile →
33
·
Paul Quinn College

Dallas, TX · 40% accepted · $12,709 net

53

Why it ranks #33

Paul Quinn College lands at #33 with a 53/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $29,288 a decade after enrolling, 48% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,709 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.

Pillar breakdown

Academic
39
Economic
50
Social mobility
64
Value
53
View full profile →
Is your school on this list? Grab a free, embeddable award badge for your website — it links right back here. Get your badge →

Cut it by what you care about

The same 33 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.

Where the programs — and the jobs are

Where these graduates work

Graduates of these programs most often become PR Specialists and related roles — a field with $67,440 median pay and 6% projected growth.

See the PR Specialist career guide →

Communications programs in Texas are an appealing choice for students looking to enter a dynamic field. With 35 schools offering these programs, prospective students have plenty of options to consider. The potential earnings for graduates can be significant, with top schools reporting earnings over $75,000.

What sets the strongest programs apart is a combination of high graduation rates, manageable debt levels, and solid post-graduation earnings. In this ranking, we focus on these essential outcomes to help you identify which schools might best support your career goals. The data below reflects how well each institution prepares its students for success in the communications field.

For example, The University of Texas at Austin stands out with an impressive graduation rate of 88% and average earnings of $75,121 after graduation. In contrast, the University of Houston has a lower graduation rate at 65% and average earnings of $62,377, highlighting the varying levels of support and outcomes you may experience at different institutions. These differences can be crucial as you weigh your options.

The story behind the ranking

A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.

Earnings Outcomes

What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.

Distribution of Median Earnings

$13K 6 $38K 24 $63K 2 $88K $113K $138K 24 National Avg

Earnings vs. Net Price

Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.

$10K$65K$120K $25K$50K NET PRICE (lower →) EARNINGS (higher ↑) The University Texas Christian Trinity University Texas State Texas Tech

Completion & Access

Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.

Graduation Rates

The University of Te… 88% Texas Christian Univ… 86% Trinity University 83% Texas State University 56% Texas Tech University 68% University of North … 60% Southern Methodist U… 84% The University of Te… 42% The University of Te… 55% Texas A&M University… 84% Sam Houston State Un… 55% The University of Te… 52% Baylor University 80% Southwestern Univers… 71% Dallas Baptist Unive… 59% The University of Te… 48% Abilene Christian Un… 60% Southwestern Adventi… 47% Lubbock Christian Un… 50% Texas Wesleyan Unive… 32% University of Houston 65% Our Lady of the Lake… 44% Texas Southern Unive… 21% Texas A&M University… 26% Saint Edward's Unive… 63%

Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate

Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.

0% 100% PELL GRANT RATE → GRAD RATE ↑ The University Texas Christian Trinity University Texas State Texas Tech
Social Mobility

What the Mobility Data Says

The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 21 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 2%. The University of Texas at El Paso leads the group at 6.8%, with Texas Southern University (3.4%) and The University of Texas Permian Basin (3%) close behind.

Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 9.2% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Texas Southern University leads at 30.8%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.

Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 25.8% across this list. Trinity University posts the highest success rate at 47.8%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.

Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.64 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Southern Methodist University reaches 1.83, the highest on the list.

Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.

Cost & Debt

What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.

Median Debt at Graduation

$6K 24 $18K 9 $30K $42K $54K 24 National Avg

When examining the data, a notable pattern emerges between Texas A&M University-College Station and the University of Houston. While Texas A&M boasts a graduation rate of 84% and higher average earnings of $72,097, the University of Houston has a graduation rate of just 65% and average earnings of $62,377. This highlights how a school's support structure and resources can lead to better outcomes for students.

As you sift through these rankings, consider what aspects are most important for you. Weigh the financial implications of net price and debt against graduation rates and post-graduation earnings. Think about your preferences regarding campus culture and location. By aligning these factors with the data presented, you can make a more informed decision.

Ultimately, the right choice can set the stage for a stable life. For many families, the decision about where to study communications isn't just about education—it's about investing in a future that supports independence and success. Choosing a school that aligns with both academic and financial goals can pave the way for a smoother transition into the workforce.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Communications Colleges in Texas: Your Questions, Answered

What is the #1 school in the Best Communications Colleges in Texas ranking? +

The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, TX ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Communications Colleges in Texas ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $75,121 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 88% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.

Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +

Southern Methodist University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $78,354 ten years after enrollment, well above the $56,230 average across the 32 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.

Which school offers the best value? +

On a pure return-on-cost basis, Texas A&M University-Victoria leads: graduates earn a median $54,467 against net price of about $8,109 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.

Which school has the highest graduation rate? +

The University of Texas at Austin has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 88%, compared with a 54% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.

How much does it cost to attend these schools? +

The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $19,233 a year across the 33 ranked schools with cost data. University of North Texas at Dallas is among the most affordable at roughly $6,420. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.

How is the Best Communications Colleges in Texas ranking calculated? +

We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.

How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +

This ranking evaluates 33 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

The State of American Higher Education Outcomes for 2026 — report cover Download PDF

The 2026 Annual Report

The State of American Higher Education Outcomes

Every state graded on what graduates earn, how far they climb, and what college really costs — the hidden geography of economic mobility, in one report.

Free · 21 pages · 5,745 institutions · 100% federal data, no surveys