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Communication and Media Studies at University of Georgia

Athens, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
45
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,283/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #23 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 5%

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 $514K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.9x 12.7x 11.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.7x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,720
Out-of-state: $120,880 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,264
-24% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,250
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,709
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of University of Georgia's Communication and Media Studies program earn $44,283/yr in their first year — 26% above the $35,147 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 12.7x 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 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At $17,250 in median debt against $44,283 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #23 out of 613 programs, University of Georgia's Communication and Media Studies program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,283 to $62,709 shows 42% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Georgia

University of Georgia admits 37% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, serving a student body of 31,310 in Athens, GA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Georgia →

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 of Georgia

Computer Science ($79,546) Management Information Systems and Services ($78,190) Computer Engineering ($77,882) Mechanical Engineering ($73,872) Civil Engineering ($73,327) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($73,307) Finance and Financial Management Services ($67,444) International Business ($67,371)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Georgia's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 53/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies graduates.
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.
Why does University of Georgia rank so high for Communication and Media Studies?
The #23 ranking out of 613 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →