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Communication and Media Studies at Emporia State University

Emporia, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,095/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 15.9x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #202 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 $465K $469K $443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.8x 15.9x 15.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.4x 7.5x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,424
Out-of-state: $62,676 (7.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,808
-113% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,426
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,347
14% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,095/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 15.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $24,426 against $37,095/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #202 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Emporia State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $37,095 to $42,347 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Emporia State University

Emporia State University has a 98% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,328 students in Emporia, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Emporia 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 Emporia State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($60,066) Information Science/Studies ($48,438) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($43,954) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,933) Accounting and Related Services ($40,967) Marketing ($40,830) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($40,528) Human Resources Management and Services ($38,538)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Emporia State University?
At 41/100, 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 Emporia State 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 →