Communication and Media Studies at Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,728/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
12.0x earnings multiple (10.1x 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 | $494K | $494K | $461K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.0x | 12.0x | 11.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 10.1x | 10.1x | 9.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 28 | 28 | 24 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,240
Out-of-state: $49,040 (10.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,896
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,292
68% growth from Year 1
About Midwestern State University
Midwestern State University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 4,043 students in Wichita Falls, TX. With 40% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at Midwestern 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 Midwestern 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 Midwestern State University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Midwestern State University?
Lower starting pay at Midwestern 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 →