Communication and Media Studies at Lamar University
Beaumont, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings
$32,556/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
14.5x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
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 | $505K | $504K | $469K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.5x | 14.5x | 13.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.8x | 6.8x | 6.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 39 | 39 | 33 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,760
Out-of-state: $73,928 (6.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,233
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,748
47% growth from Year 1
About Lamar University
A 86% acceptance rate means Lamar University is accessible to most applicants, serving 7,945 students in Beaumont, TX. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at Lamar University →Top Career Paths
Public relations managers
$138,520/yr
Fundraising managers
$123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Lamar University
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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Lamar University?
At 39/100, 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 Lamar 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 →