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Communication and Media Studies at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Bend, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,737/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.7x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #119 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 $546K $539K $494K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.8x 10.7x 9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.9x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,376
Out-of-state: $139,776 (3.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$70,888
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,828
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,798
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,737 at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus come in 16% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

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.

With first-year pay of $40,737 far exceeding the $19,828 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Oregon State University-Cascades Campus ranks #119 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 39% earnings increase from $40,737 to $56,798 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

A 68% admission rate makes Oregon State University-Cascades Campus accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a smaller institution with 1,054 students in Bend, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus →

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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus

Computer Science ($85,376) Construction Engineering ($80,936) Industrial Engineering ($78,425) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,636) Manufacturing Engineering ($72,154) Chemical Engineering ($71,618) Engineering, Other ($71,549) Civil Engineering ($70,635)

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 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
At 46/100, 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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus?
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 Oregon State University-Cascades Campus one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Oregon State University-Cascades Campus's #119 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 →