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Communication and Media Studies at Millikin University

Decatur, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,413/yr (1% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 4.6x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #431 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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	$497K	$496K	$463K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	4.6x	4.6x	4.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	2.8x	2.8x	2.7x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	30	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)

$107,568

Out-of-state: $174,680 (2.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$35,348

67% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,149

7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,358

34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,413/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 4.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,149 debt-to-$35,413 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #431 out of 613 programs, Millikin University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,413 to $47,358 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Millikin University

A 54% admission rate makes Millikin University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a smaller student body of 1,458 in Decatur, IL. The average net cost of $35,348 over four years represents a 67% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Millikin University →

Top Career Paths

Public relations managers $138,520/yr

Fundraising managers $123,480/yr

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr

View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Millikin 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

How does Millikin University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 30/100 — 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.

How affordable is Communication and Media Studies at Millikin University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $107,568, but the average net cost is $35,348 — a 67% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →