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Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Stark

North Canton, 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 17.3x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #145 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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)	17.4x	17.3x	16.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.6x	7.5x	7.0x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	45	44	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$29,088

Out-of-state: $66,976 (7.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$45,240

-56% 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

First-year earnings of $35,804 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 17.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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.

Kent State University at Stark ranks #145 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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 Stark

a compact campus enrolling 2,626 students in North Canton, OH.

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

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

Other Majors at Kent State University at Stark

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Stark?

At 44/100, 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 Stark?

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 Kent State University at Stark one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Kent State University at Stark's #145 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →