Program Analysis
Minnesota State University-Mankato's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $39,798/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $22,779 represents roughly 7 months of the $39,798 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #38 of 613 programs, Minnesota State University-Mankato's Communication and Media Studies program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $60,606 show a 52% jump from the $39,798 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.