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Communication and Media Studies at University at Albany

Albany, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,792/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #419 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 $428K $437K $420K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.5x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.8x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,632
Out-of-state: $115,992 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,944
-78% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,066
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University at Albany's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $30,792/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

The 10.5x 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 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,066 debt-to-$30,792 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #419 out of 613 programs, University at Albany's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University at Albany

University at Albany's 70% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 12,100 in Albany, NY. With 42% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Albany →

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 University at Albany

Applied Mathematics ($65,604) Accounting and Related Services ($55,124) Mathematics and Statistics, Other ($51,917) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($49,759) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,605) Chemistry ($48,276) Mathematics ($45,744) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($45,637)

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

How does University at Albany's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 31/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →