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Communication and Media Studies at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,738/yr (13% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #93 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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	$619K	$603K	$540K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.4x	9.2x	8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.7x	3.6x	3.2x
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)

$65,720

Out-of-state: $167,772 (3.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,920

-31% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,500

5.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$66,999

69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,738 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Colorado Boulder earn slightly above the $35,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 13% 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.

The median debt load of $16,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of Colorado Boulder ranks #93 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $39,738-to-$66,999 earnings arc over five years reflects a 69% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Colorado Boulder

With 83% of applicants admitted, University of Colorado Boulder prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 31,578 students in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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

Other Majors at University of Colorado Boulder

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 does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Colorado Boulder?

At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at University of Colorado Boulder?

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 Colorado Boulder one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Colorado Boulder's #93 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 →