Communication and Media Studies at Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,618/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #368 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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 $524K $520K $480K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.3x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.3x 7.2x 6.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,452
Out-of-state: $71,892 (7.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,260
-27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,186
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Cleveland State University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $29,618/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $29,618 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #368 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Cleveland State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $49,186 show a 66% jump from the $29,618 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Cleveland State University

A 95% acceptance rate means Cleveland State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 9,077 students in Cleveland, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Cleveland State University →

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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Cleveland State University

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Cleveland State University?
A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $480,103 in decade earnings vs $523,520 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Cleveland State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →