Communication and Media Studies at University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hilo, HI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,159/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
16.1x earnings multiple (6.1x 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 | $508K | $506K | $470K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 16.2x | 16.1x | 15.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.1x | 6.1x | 5.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 32 | 32 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,352
Out-of-state: $83,192 (6.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,505
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,892
78% growth from Year 1
About University of Hawaii at Hilo
A 90% acceptance rate means University of Hawaii at Hilo is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,260 students in Hilo, HI.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Hawaii at Hilo →Top Career Paths
Public relations managers
$138,520/yr
Fundraising managers
$123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Compare & Explore
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Hawaii at Hilo?
A score of 32/100 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 $470,231 in decade earnings vs $507,803 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from University of Hawaii at Hilo?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →