Communication and Media Studies at Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,643/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
14.5x earnings multiple (8.8x out-of-state)
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 | $504K | $502K | $468K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.5x | 14.5x | 13.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 8.9x | 8.8x | 8.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 31 | 27 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,700
Out-of-state: $56,876 (8.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,175
10.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,606
74% growth from Year 1
About Austin Peay State University
With 96% of applicants admitted, Austin Peay State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 7,365 students in Clarksville, TN. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at Austin Peay State University →Top Career Paths
Public relations managers
$138,520/yr
Fundraising managers
$123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Austin Peay State University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Austin Peay State University?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Austin Peay State University?
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 Austin Peay State University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Austin Peay State University'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 →