Communication and Media Studiesat James Madison University
Graduates earn $42,769/yr in their first year — about 22.0% above the national Communication and Media Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $589K; scenarios range from $530K to $603K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at James Madison University
Graduates earn $42,769/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
With a 10.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 12% 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 $20,500 in median debt against $42,769 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.
At #44 of 613 programs, this Communication and Media Studies program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.
The $42,769-to-$66,067 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to James Madison University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Communication and Media Studies
How James Madison University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at James Madison University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at James Madison University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication and Media Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Communication and Media Studies at James Madison University
What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at James Madison University?
At 51/100, James Madison University's Communication and Media Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at James Madison 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.