Communication and Media Studies at University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,224
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,943
64% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Illinois Chicago
Explore the Trade Alternative
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 →