Communication and Media Studies at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,725
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,684
79% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Explore the Trade Alternative
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 →