Communication and Media Studies at Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,210/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 28.5x earnings multiple (14.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #367 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

Program Analysis

While a Communication and Media Studies degree opens doors nationwide, your early-career earnings will be heavily shaped by the local Fayetteville job market. This region's economy is strongly influenced by Fort Liberty and related government contracting, rather than the large corporate headquarters or major media outlets found in hubs like Charlotte or Raleigh. Graduates often find initial roles in local government, community relations, or smaller businesses where salaries are more modest than national averages. The career paths listed on this page represent long-term potential, but reaching those senior-level salaries typically requires relocating to a larger, more competitive media market after gaining initial experience. For the best return, your key strategy should be aggressive internship hunting in larger North Carolina cities while you're still in school to build a professional network outside the immediate Fayetteville area.

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 $447K $453K $432K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 28.1x 28.5x 27.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 14.0x 14.2x 13.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 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)
$15,876
Out-of-state: $31,876 (14.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$29,440
-85% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
13.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,927
48% growth from Year 1

About Fayetteville State University

A 80% acceptance rate means Fayetteville State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,493 students in Fayetteville, NC. With 53% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Fayetteville 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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fayetteville State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Fayetteville State University?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Communication and Media Studies degree from Fayetteville State University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Fayetteville 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.
Is Fayetteville State University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Fayetteville State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →