Home › Northwest Missouri State University › Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies at Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,195/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #228 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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 $516K $513K $475K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.7x 12.6x 11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.7x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,724
Out-of-state: $66,492 (7.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,296
-46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,892
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northwest Missouri State University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $34,195/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

With a 12.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $25,000 against $34,195/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #228 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Northwest Missouri State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 46% earnings increase from $34,195 to $49,892 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Northwest Missouri State University

A 86% acceptance rate means Northwest Missouri State University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 4,550 in Maryville, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwest Missouri State 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

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 Northwest Missouri State University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($65,444) Computer Software and Media Applications ($51,790) Marketing ($48,557) Agricultural Business and Management ($48,302) Plant Sciences ($47,170) Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians ($46,647) Finance and Financial Management Services ($45,810) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($43,672)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Northwest Missouri State University?
At 40/100, 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 Northwest Missouri State 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →