Program Analysis
At $32,465/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.4x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $26,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $32,465 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #390 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.