Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,722 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 21.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 13% 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 $18,000 against $35,722/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
California State University-East Bay ranks #21 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The $35,722-to-$67,355 earnings arc over five years reflects a 89% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.