Communication and Media Studies at Indiana University-Southeast
New Albany, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,777/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
15.4x earnings multiple (5.7x 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 | $507K | $505K | $470K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.5x | 15.4x | 14.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.7x | 5.7x | 5.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 34 | 33 | 29 |
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 (5.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,829
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,563
70% growth from Year 1
About Indiana University-Southeast
A 83% acceptance rate means Indiana University-Southeast is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 3,088 students in New Albany, IN.
See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Southeast →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 Indiana University-Southeast
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
What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Indiana University-Southeast?
At 33/100, 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 Indiana University-Southeast?
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 Indiana University-Southeast a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Indiana University-Southeast'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 →