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Communication and Media Studies at Morehead State University

Morehead, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,803/yr (-24% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #491 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	$464K	$468K	$443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.8x	11.9x	11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.9x	8.0x	7.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	27	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$39,352

Out-of-state: $58,824 (8.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$40,356

-3% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,857

11.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,457

47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,803/yr fall 24% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 11.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $24,857 against $26,803/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #491 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Morehead State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 47% earnings increase from $26,803 to $39,457 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Morehead State University

Morehead State University has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 4,689 students in Morehead, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Morehead State 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 Morehead 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 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Morehead State University?

At 27/100, 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 Morehead 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.

Is Morehead State University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Morehead State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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