Communication and Media Studies at SUNY Old Westbury
Old Westbury, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
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
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 →