Communication and Media Studies at Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,186
66% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
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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 →