Communication and Media Studies at Southern Oregon University
Ashland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings
$30,422/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
10.2x earnings multiple (4.0x 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 | $491K | $491K | $460K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.1x | 10.2x | 9.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.0x | 4.0x | 3.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 31 | 25 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$48,372
Out-of-state: $122,892 (4.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,363
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,790
47% growth from Year 1
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 2,911 students in Ashland, OR.
See all programs and financial aid at Southern Oregon 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 Southern Oregon University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Southern Oregon University?
At 31/100, 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 Southern Oregon University?
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 →