Communication and Media Studies at North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,750/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
18.3x earnings multiple (6.1x 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 | $476K | $478K | $450K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 18.2x | 18.3x | 17.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.1x | 6.1x | 5.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 32 | 32 | 28 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$26,168
Out-of-state: $78,312 (6.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,375
12.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,853
59% growth from Year 1
About North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,400 students in Durham, NC. 57% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do North Carolina Central University Communication and Media Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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 North Carolina Central University?
Lower starting pay at North Carolina Central 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 →