Communication and Media Studies at Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,782/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
16.3x earnings multiple (5.3x 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 | $554K | $546K | $499K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 16.6x | 16.3x | 14.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.3x | 5.3x | 4.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 50 | 49 | 42 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,412
Out-of-state: $103,568 (5.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,519
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,910
51% growth from Year 1
About Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 6,517 students in Cheney, WA.
See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Washington 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
Other Majors at Eastern Washington University
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
What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Eastern Washington University?
At 49/100, 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 Eastern Washington 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.
Is Eastern Washington University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Eastern Washington University's #76 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →