Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $34,574 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.
AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $22,750 debt-to-$34,574 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #513 out of 613 programs, Ouachita Baptist University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $34,574 to $41,779 shows 21% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.