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Communication and Media Studies at Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,147/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #384 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 $449K $455K $433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.1x 8.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.9x 5.0x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$49,704
Out-of-state: $90,864 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,400
-20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,375
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,144
11% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,147/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Jacksonville State University land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 9.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% 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 $24,375 against $35,147/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #384 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Jacksonville State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $35,147 to $39,144 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Jacksonville State University

With 76% of applicants admitted, Jacksonville State University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 7,030 in Jacksonville, AL. 43% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($68,896) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($62,795) Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians ($57,466) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($55,867) Special Education and Teaching ($42,107) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,384) Accounting and Related Services ($40,541) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($39,729)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Jacksonville State University?
At 32/100, 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 Jacksonville 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →