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Communication and Media Studies at Jackson State University

Jackson, MS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,235/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.2x earnings multiple (11.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #495 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 $476K $478K $450K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.1x 13.2x 12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.8x 11.8x 11.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,360
Out-of-state: $40,440 (11.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,764
-122% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,250
14.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,204
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $24,235/yr fall 31% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 13.2x 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 $28,250 debt load exceeds a year of the $24,235 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #495 out of 613 programs, Jackson State University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $24,235 to $40,204 over five years (66% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Jackson State University

Jackson State University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 4,769 students in Jackson, MS. With 68% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Jackson 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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Jackson State University

Computer Science ($70,347) Computer Engineering ($51,570) Civil Engineering ($49,498) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($41,812) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($40,448) Accounting and Related Services ($40,419) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($36,378) Finance and Financial Management Services ($33,932)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Jackson State University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Jackson State University Communication and Media Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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.
Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Jackson State University?
Lower starting pay at Jackson State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →