Communication and Media Studies at Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,390/yr (4% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
9.5x earnings multiple (3.5x 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 | $627K | $610K | $545K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.8x | 9.5x | 8.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.6x | 3.5x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 46 | 45 | 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)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,250
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,407
82% growth from Year 1
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State 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 Michigan State University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Michigan State University?
At 45/100, 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 Michigan 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.
Is Michigan State University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Michigan State University's #123 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 →