Communication and Media Studies at Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings
$32,755/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
8.5x earnings multiple (6.0x 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 | $498K | $498K | $464K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.5x | 8.5x | 7.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.0x | 6.0x | 5.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 33 | 32 | 26 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$58,512
Out-of-state: $83,280 (6.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,747
43% growth from Year 1
About Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 19,073 students in Allendale, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Grand Valley State 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 Grand Valley State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Grand Valley State University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →