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Communication and Media Studies at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
60
Optimistic
59
Base Case
51
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,696/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 13.0x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 1%

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 $812K $771K $662K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.0x 11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.2x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 60 59 51

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,400
Out-of-state: $182,508 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,916
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,100
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$93,369
114% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Berkeley's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $43,696/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 13.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $11,100 in median debt clears quickly against $43,696 in annual earnings.

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs nationally, University of California-Berkeley ranks #5 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The $43,696-to-$93,369 earnings arc over five years reflects a 114% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Berkeley

Only 12% of applicants gain admission to University of California-Berkeley, reflecting elite selectivity, with 33,073 students enrolled in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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)

Compare Communication and Media Studies

University of California-Berkeley vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo → University of California-Berkeley vs CUNY Graduate School and University Center → University of California-Berkeley vs University of Maryland Global Campus →

Other Majors at University of California-Berkeley

Computer Science ($149,866) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($137,295) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($90,008) Operations Research ($88,685) Mechanical Engineering ($88,497) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($88,030) Statistics ($83,227) Chemical Engineering ($81,553)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of California-Berkeley?
At 59/100, University of California-Berkeley's Communication and Media Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at University of California-Berkeley?
The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of California-Berkeley one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of California-Berkeley's #5 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →