Communication and Media Studies at Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,877/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
12.8x earnings multiple (4.2x 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 | $486K | $487K | $456K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.8x | 12.8x | 12.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.2x | 4.2x | 3.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 33 | 33 | 27 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,024
Out-of-state: $116,168 (4.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,795
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,823
47% growth from Year 1
About Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 16,115 in Murfreesboro, TN.
See all programs and financial aid at Middle Tennessee 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 Middle Tennessee State 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 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Middle Tennessee State University?
At 33/100, 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 Middle Tennessee 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →