Communication and Media Studies at Truman State University

Kirksville, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
41
Optimistic
40
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,853/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 14.1x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #227 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 $542K $536K $492K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.3x 14.1x 13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.5x 6.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 41 40 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,880
Out-of-state: $71,480 (7.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,120
-27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,801
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Truman State University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $31,853/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,250 represents roughly 9 months of the $31,853 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #227 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Truman State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $52,801 show a 66% jump from the $31,853 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Truman State University

A 80% acceptance rate means Truman State University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,666 students in Kirksville, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Truman State University →

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

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Truman State University?
A score of 40/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $491,891 in decade earnings vs $542,289 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →