Communication and Media Studies at Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
37
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
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
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,812
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,644
47% growth from Year 1
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
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 →