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Communication and Media Studies at California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
51 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,421/yr (9% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 17.4x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #36 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 10%

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 $570K $560K $509K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.7x 17.4x 15.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.1x 7.0x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 51 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,256
Out-of-state: $79,776 (7.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,352
-84% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,125
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,510
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,421/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 17.4x 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.

At $16,125 in median debt against $38,421 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #36 of 613 programs, this Communication and Media Studies program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $38,421-to-$59,510 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Chico

California State University-Chico has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 13,057 students in Chico, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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 University-Chico

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($113,181) Construction Management ($89,075) Construction Engineering Technologies ($88,648) Computer Science ($81,021) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($77,965) Engineering, Other ($74,204) Mechanical Engineering ($73,297) Civil Engineering ($72,350)

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 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at California State University-Chico?
At 51/100, California State University-Chico's Communication and Media Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at California State University-Chico?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →