Communication and Media Studies at Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings
$32,538/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
10.1x earnings multiple (5.5x 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 | $503K | $502K | $467K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.2x | 10.1x | 9.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.5x | 5.5x | 5.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 34 | 34 | 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)
$49,532
Out-of-state: $90,904 (5.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,402
46% growth from Year 1
About Northeastern Illinois University
With 70% of applicants admitted, Northeastern Illinois University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 3,869 in Chicago, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 54% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern Illinois 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
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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Northeastern Illinois University?
A score of 34/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $467,268 in decade earnings vs $503,083 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →