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Communication and Media Studies at The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $40,790/yr (16% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (3.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #120 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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	$522K	$518K	$479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.0x	10.9x	10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.9x	3.9x	3.6x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	45	45	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$47,600

Out-of-state: $132,800 (3.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$88,600

-86% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,459

7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,949

30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $40,790 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from The University of Alabama earn slightly above the $35,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 10.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,459 debt-to-$40,790 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #120 out of 613 programs, The University of Alabama's Communication and Media Studies program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $40,790 to $52,949 shows 30% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About The University of Alabama

With 76% of applicants admitted, The University of Alabama prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 32,323 in Tuscaloosa, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Alabama →

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 The University of Alabama

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does The University of Alabama's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does The University of Alabama rank so high for Communication and Media Studies?

The #120 ranking out of 613 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →