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Communication and Media Studies at Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,172/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 11.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #268 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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	$482K	$483K	$454K
Earnings Multiple	11.7x	11.7x	11.0x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	38	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$41,344

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$71,264

-72% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,103

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Minnesota State University Moorhead's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $36,172/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,000 against $36,172/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #268 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Minnesota State University Moorhead in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 25% earnings increase from $36,172 to $45,103 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead's 53% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 3,120 students in Moorhead, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Minnesota State University Moorhead →

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 Minnesota State University Moorhead

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Minnesota State University Moorhead?

At 38/100, 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead?

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 →