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Communication and Media Studies at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,889/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 15.0x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #68 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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 $541K $534K $491K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.2x 15.0x 13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.2x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,580
Out-of-state: $127,068 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,724
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,642
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

North Carolina State University at Raleigh's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $39,889/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 15.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $39,889/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh ranks #68 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 39% earnings increase from $39,889 to $55,642 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Admission to North Carolina State University at Raleigh is competitive, with 40% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 26,389 in Raleigh, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina State University at Raleigh →

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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Computer Science ($85,809) Computer Engineering ($82,997) Chemical Engineering ($81,492) Industrial Engineering ($81,055) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,687) Construction Engineering ($76,574) Nuclear Engineering ($74,540) Materials Engineering ($74,058)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
At 49/100, 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, North Carolina State University at Raleigh's #68 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →