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Communication and Media Studies at Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,899/yr (-6% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #292 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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	$492K	$492K	$461K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.7x	12.7x	11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.1x	5.1x	4.7x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	36	30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,848

Out-of-state: $97,248 (5.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$61,324

-58% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,061

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,866

39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,899/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Colorado Mesa University land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 12.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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 $21,061 against $32,899/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #292 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Colorado Mesa University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 39% earnings increase from $32,899 to $45,866 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Colorado Mesa University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Colorado Mesa University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,604 in Grand Junction, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado Mesa 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 Colorado Mesa 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 does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Colorado Mesa University?

At 36/100, 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 Colorado Mesa University?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →