Communication and Media Studies at Rhode Island College
Providence, RI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,357/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
11.1x earnings multiple (4.6x 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 | $489K | $489K | $458K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.1x | 11.1x | 10.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.6x | 4.6x | 4.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 36 | 36 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,944
Out-of-state: $106,076 (4.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,875
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,774
33% growth from Year 1
About Rhode Island College
With 81% of applicants admitted, Rhode Island College prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 4,630 students in Providence, RI. 41% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Rhode Island College →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 Rhode Island College
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 does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Rhode Island College?
At 36/100, 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 Rhode Island College?
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 →