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Communication and Media Studies at Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,490/yr (10% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #132 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	$550K	$543K	$497K
Earnings Multiple	10.8x	10.7x	9.8x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	45	44	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$50,800

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,636

-2% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,812

7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,644

47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northern Illinois University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $38,490/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 10.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $23,812 against $38,490/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Northern Illinois University ranks #132 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 47% earnings increase from $38,490 to $56,644 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Northern Illinois University

A 70% acceptance rate means Northern Illinois University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 11,277 students in Dekalb, IL. 46% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois 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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Northern Illinois University?

At 44/100, 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 Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Northern Illinois University's #132 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 →