Communication and Media Studies at Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,106/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
16.6x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
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 | $538K | $532K | $489K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 16.8x | 16.6x | 15.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.8x | 6.8x | 6.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 38 | 38 | 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)
$32,032
Out-of-state: $78,768 (6.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,332
79% growth from Year 1
About Pittsburg State University
With 88% of applicants admitted, Pittsburg State University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 4,162 in Pittsburg, KS.
See all programs and financial aid at Pittsburg State 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
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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Pittsburg State University?
A score of 38/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $488,925 in decade earnings vs $537,565 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Pittsburg State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →