Communication and Media Studies at University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
51
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings
$40,095/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
14.5x earnings multiple (4.9x 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 | $577K | $566K | $513K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.8x | 14.5x | 13.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.0x | 4.9x | 4.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 52 | 51 | 44 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,992
Out-of-state: $115,088 (4.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,155
53% growth from Year 1
About University of Arkansas
With 72% of applicants admitted, University of Arkansas prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 27,312 students in Fayetteville, AR.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Arkansas →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 of Arkansas
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 University of Arkansas?
A score of 51/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Communication and Media Studies field.
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 $513,468 in decade earnings vs $576,640 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →