Communication and Media Studies at California State University-East Bay
Hayward, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
53
Optimistic
53
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,722/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
21.9x earnings multiple (8.2x 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 | $638K | $619K | $552K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 22.6x | 21.9x | 19.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 8.4x | 8.2x | 7.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 53 | 53 | 46 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,220
Out-of-state: $75,740 (8.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$67,355
89% growth from Year 1
About California State University-East Bay
California State University-East Bay has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 10,422 in Hayward, CA. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-East Bay →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-East Bay
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 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at California State University-East Bay?
At 53/100, California State University-East Bay'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-East Bay?
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 University-East Bay one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, California State University-East Bay's #21 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 →