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Communication and Media Studies at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
47
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,852/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 19.2x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #92 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 $582K $571K $517K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.6x 19.2x 17.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.5x 7.4x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 47 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,756
Out-of-state: $77,276 (7.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,320
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,725
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,684
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,852/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 19.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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.

With first-year pay of $32,852 far exceeding the $14,725 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ranks #92 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $32,852-to-$58,684 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona accepts 74% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 24,271 students enrolled in Pomona, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona →

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 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Construction Engineering Technologies ($87,960) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,827) Manufacturing Engineering ($79,549) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($78,320) Civil Engineering ($75,758) Industrial Engineering ($75,110) Mechanical Engineering ($75,040) Computer Engineering ($70,768)

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 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
At 47/100, 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 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
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 California State Polytechnic University-Pomona one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's #92 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →