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Communication and Media Studies at California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,050/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 18.3x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #155 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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 $514K $511K $474K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.4x 18.3x 17.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.8x 6.8x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,920
Out-of-state: $75,440 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,920
7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,915
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,214
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State University-Fresno's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $33,050/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

With a 18.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $14,915 in median debt clears quickly against $33,050 in annual earnings.

California State University-Fresno ranks #155 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 49% earnings increase from $33,050 to $49,214 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State University-Fresno

A 96% acceptance rate means California State University-Fresno is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 21,070 in Fresno, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 56% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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-Fresno

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($96,890) Construction Engineering Technologies ($78,716) Engineering-Related Technologies ($78,518) Computer Engineering ($75,101) Civil Engineering ($71,093) Mechanical Engineering ($65,938) Plant Sciences ($60,443) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($59,672)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at California State University-Fresno?
At 43/100, 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 University-Fresno?
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-Fresno one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, California State University-Fresno's #155 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 →