Communication and Media Studies at State University of New York at New Paltz
New Paltz, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
41
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,860/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
16.1x earnings multiple (7.4x 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 | $558K | $549K | $501K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 16.4x | 16.1x | 14.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.6x | 7.4x | 6.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 41 | 41 | 35 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,096
Out-of-state: $73,736 (7.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,859
80% growth from Year 1
About State University of New York at New Paltz
A 59% admission rate makes State University of New York at New Paltz accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 6,022 students in New Paltz, NY.
See all programs and financial aid at State University of New York at New Paltz →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
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Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at State University of New York at New Paltz?
At 41/100, 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 State University of New York at New Paltz?
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.
Is State University of New York at New Paltz a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If State University of New York at New Paltz's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →