Communication and Media Studiesat Fayetteville State University
Graduates earn $24,210/yr in their first year — about 31.0% below the national Communication and Media Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $453K; scenarios range from $432K to $447K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Fayetteville State University
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Fayetteville State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Communication and Media Studies
How Fayetteville State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Fayetteville State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Fayetteville State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication and Media Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Communication and Media Studies at Fayetteville State University
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.