Communication and Media Studies at SUNY Old Westbury

Old Westbury, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,256/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #397 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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 $475K $477K $449K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.2x 14.2x 13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.5x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,516
Out-of-state: $73,156 (6.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$39,600
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,750
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,918
43% growth from Year 1

About SUNY Old Westbury

SUNY Old Westbury accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 3,945 students in Old Westbury, NY. Pell Grant recipients make up 47% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY Old Westbury →

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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at SUNY Old Westbury

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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at SUNY Old Westbury?
At 32/100, 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 Old Westbury?
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 SUNY Old Westbury a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If SUNY Old Westbury'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 →