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Communication and Media Studies at Indiana University-South Bend

South Bend, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,094/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #177 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	$477K	$479K	$451K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.6x	14.6x	13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.4x	5.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	42	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,716

Out-of-state: $88,172 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$33,456

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,500

7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$44,585

17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,094 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Indiana University-South Bend earn slightly above the $35,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 14.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,500 debt-to-$38,094 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #177 out of 613 programs, Indiana University-South Bend's Communication and Media Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $38,094 to $44,585 over five years (17% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Indiana University-South Bend

With 86% of applicants admitted, Indiana University-South Bend prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 3,807 students in South Bend, IN. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-South Bend →

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 Indiana University-South Bend

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 Indiana University-South Bend's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 42/100 — 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 →