Communication and Media Studies at California State University-Chico
Chico, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,125
5.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,510
55% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State University-Chico
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 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 →