Communication and Media Studies at University of Maine
Orono, ME · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,192/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
10.7x earnings multiple (3.8x 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 | $549K | $542K | $496K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.9x | 10.7x | 9.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.9x | 3.8x | 3.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 44 | 43 | 36 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,424
Out-of-state: $141,384 (3.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,168
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,948
50% growth from Year 1
About University of Maine
University of Maine accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 8,341 students in Orono, ME.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Maine →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 Maine
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Maine?
At 43/100, 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 Maine?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →