Communication and Media Studies at Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings
$40,279/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
13.4x earnings multiple
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 | $550K | $542K | $497K |
| Earnings Multiple | 13.6x | 13.4x | 12.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 50 | 49 | 42 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$40,468
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,161
42% growth from Year 1
About Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud State University accepts 95% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 5,181 in Saint Cloud, MN.
See all programs and financial aid at Saint Cloud State University →Top Career Paths
Public relations managers
$138,520/yr
Fundraising managers
$123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Compare & Explore
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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 Saint Cloud State University?
A score of 49/100 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 $496,527 in decade earnings vs $549,668 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Saint Cloud State University's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #65 of 613 programs nationally, Saint Cloud State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →