Communication and Media Studies at San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
51
Base Case
43
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,773/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
17.0x earnings multiple (7.0x 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 | $573K | $563K | $511K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 17.3x | 17.0x | 15.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.1x | 7.0x | 6.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 51 | 51 | 43 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (7.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,719
58% growth from Year 1
About San Diego State University
San Diego State University accepts 34% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 33,654 in San Diego, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at San Diego 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
Other Majors at San Diego State University
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 San Diego State University?
A score of 51/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Communication and Media Studies field.
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 $511,275 in decade earnings vs $573,146 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →