Communication and Media Studies at Colorado State University Global

Aurora, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
62 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
63
Optimistic
62
Base Case
55
Pessimistic
Earnings $49,436/yr (41% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 18.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #2 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

While the high earnings for a Communication degree might seem surprising, CSU Global's unique structure is the key. As a fully online university designed for working adults, many of your classmates won't be traditional 18-year-olds. They're often established professionals seeking a credential to move into management or specialize their skills. This means you're graduating from a program geared toward immediate career application, not abstract theory. Graduates leverage this practical focus to land roles in corporate communications, public relations, and digital marketing within the dynamic Denver-area tech and aerospace sectors, or in their own local markets. To maximize this degree's value, your crucial step is to actively build a professional portfolio throughout your studies—think freelance writing, managing a non-profit's social media, or creating a polished website—to demonstrate tangible skills beyond the diploma.

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 $654K $633K $562K
Earnings Multiple 19.5x 18.8x 16.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 63 62 55

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$33,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,396
-68% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,187
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$76,111
54% growth from Year 1

About Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 6,202 students in Aurora, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University Global →

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

Compare Communication and Media Studies

Other Majors at Colorado State University Global

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Colorado State University Global's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 62/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies graduates.
How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Colorado State University Global rank so high for Communication and Media Studies?
The #2 ranking out of 613 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →