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Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Kent

Kent, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,804/yr (2% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #286 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	$506K	$504K	$469K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.8x	9.8x	9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.6x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$51,384

Out-of-state: $89,264 (5.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$78,456

-53% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$48,898

37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,804/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Kent State University at Kent land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 9.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% 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 $25,000 against $35,804/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #286 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Kent State University at Kent in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 37% earnings increase from $35,804 to $48,898 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Kent State University at Kent

With 87% of applicants admitted, Kent State University at Kent prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 19,134 in Kent, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Kent State University at Kent →

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

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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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Kent?

At 37/100, 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 Kent State University at Kent?

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 →