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Communication and Media Studies at Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,071/yr (-23% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.1x earnings multiple

Ranked #337 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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	$557K	$548K	$501K
Earnings Multiple	12.3x	12.1x	11.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	34	34	30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$45,280

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$37,908

16% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,250

7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,179

93% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Governors State University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $27,071/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 23%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $17,250 against $27,071/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #337 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Governors State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $27,071-to-$52,179 earnings arc over five years reflects a 93% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Governors State University

a smaller institution with 2,518 students in University Park, IL. With 52% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Governors 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 Governors 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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Governors State University?

At 34/100, 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 Governors 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 Governors State University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Governors 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 →