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Communication and Media Studies at Columbus State University

Columbus, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,078/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 19.2x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #258 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 $435K $443K $425K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.9x 19.2x 18.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.6x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$23,004
Out-of-state: $67,220 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,556
-107% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,235
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,078 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 19.2x 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 2% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,235 represents roughly 10 months of the $32,078 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #258 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Columbus State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

About Columbus State University

Columbus State University has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,537 students in Columbus, GA. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbus 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

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 Columbus State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($74,454) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($56,660) Management Information Systems and Services ($53,153) Accounting and Related Services ($47,646) Finance and Financial Management Services ($46,812) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,780) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($40,616) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($39,714)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Columbus State University?
A score of 38/100 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 $424,571 in decade earnings vs $435,106 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →