Communication and Media Studies at University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,226/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
12.6x earnings multiple (4.4x 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 | $552K | $544K | $498K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.8x | 12.6x | 11.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.5x | 4.4x | 4.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 48 | 47 | 40 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,128
Out-of-state: $122,288 (4.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,140
46% growth from Year 1
About University at Buffalo
With a 69% acceptance rate, University at Buffalo is moderately selective, with 20,284 students enrolled in Buffalo, NY.
See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →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 University at Buffalo
Consider the Trade Route?
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
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University at Buffalo?
A score of 47/100 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 $497,910 in decade earnings vs $551,871 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University at Buffalo's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #102 of 613 programs nationally, University at Buffalo lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →