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Communication and Media Studies at University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,912/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #97 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 $600K $586K $528K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.5x 10.2x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.1x 5.0x 4.5x
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)
$57,352
Out-of-state: $117,440 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,252
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,224
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,943
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,912 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Illinois Chicago earn slightly above the $35,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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 $19,224 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of Illinois Chicago ranks #97 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $38,912-to-$63,943 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Chicago

With 78% of applicants admitted, University of Illinois Chicago prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 21,814 in Chicago, IL. With 50% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Chicago →

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 Illinois Chicago

Computer Science ($78,040) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,045) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($72,926) Computer Engineering ($71,148) Mechanical Engineering ($69,871) Civil Engineering ($69,310) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($65,781) Accounting and Related Services ($65,680)

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

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Illinois Chicago?
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 Illinois Chicago?
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 Illinois Chicago one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Illinois Chicago's #97 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 →