Communication and Media Studiesat Alabama State University
Graduates earn $21,996/yr in their first year — about 37.0% below the national Communication and Media Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $470K; scenarios range from $445K to $467K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Alabama State University
While the career paths listed show high national earning potential, your initial jobs will likely be grounded in the regional economy of Montgomery and the broader Southeast. This means starting in local news, state government public affairs, or community-focused non-profits, where starting salaries are more modest than in major media markets like Atlanta or New York. The path to a six-figure management role often requires a decade of experience or a move to a larger, more competitive city.
Because your early career network will be crucial, your most important task is to secure multiple internships before you graduate. Don't just wait for the required one. Proactively seek opportunities with state agencies, local TV stations, and regional marketing firms to build a professional portfolio that demonstrates your value beyond the classroom and sets you up for a stronger start.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Alabama State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Communication and Media Studies
How Alabama State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Alabama State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Alabama State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication and Media Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Communication and Media Studies at Alabama State University
How does Alabama State University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Alabama State University Communication and Media Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Alabama State University?
Lower starting pay at Alabama State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.