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Communication and Media Studies at SUNY College at Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,749/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #235 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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 $458K $463K $439K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.9x 13.0x 12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 6.2x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,524
Out-of-state: $75,164 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,188
-86% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,566
5% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $39,749/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 13.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $23,250 against $39,749/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #235 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places SUNY College at Plattsburgh in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $39,749 to $41,566 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About SUNY College at Plattsburgh

SUNY College at Plattsburgh has a 75% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 3,789 in Plattsburgh, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY College at Plattsburgh →

Top Career Paths

Public relations managers $138,520/yr
Fundraising managers $123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at SUNY College at Plattsburgh

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($76,152) Accounting and Related Services ($51,243) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($50,291) Management Information Systems and Services ($50,232) Marketing ($44,607) Economics ($43,977) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($41,410) Finance and Financial Management Services ($40,414)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at SUNY College at Plattsburgh?
At 40/100, 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 SUNY College at Plattsburgh?
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 →