Communication & Media Studies at Middle Georgia State University

Macon, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,024/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,900 openings/yr)
ROI 30.1x earnings multiple (9.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 16 Communication & Journalism programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

While the raw earnings might seem modest, MGA's strength lies in its role as a key talent pipeline for Central Georgia. Your career path will likely begin in the region's diverse ecosystem of local media, non-profits, and government agencies, where communications skills are essential but salaries reflect the local cost of living. This isn't a program that feeds directly into major media markets like Atlanta or New York; instead, it provides a practical, affordable education for careers deeply embedded in the community. The high AI risk highlights a critical reality: foundational writing and content creation are becoming automated. To future-proof your career, you must focus on building skills AI can't replicate—strategic thinking, community engagement, and complex project management. Your key advice: aggressively pursue internships to build a local professional network *before* you graduate.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication & Media Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $541K $533K $486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 30.5x 30.1x 27.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.6x 9.5x 8.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 39% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$17,728
Out-of-state: $56,128 (9.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,688
-214% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,750
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,718
81% growth from Year 1

About Middle Georgia State University

With 100% of applicants admitted, Middle Georgia State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 6,655 students in Macon, GA. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Middle Georgia State University →

Top Career Paths

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Communication & Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Middle Georgia State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Middle Georgia State University's Communication & Media Studies program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Communication & Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Communication & Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication & Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 65% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Communication & Media Studies earnings lower at Middle Georgia State University?
Lower starting pay at Middle Georgia State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →