Communication and Media Studies at University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
64
Optimistic
63
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,513/yr (52% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 18.7x earnings multiple (12.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

UMGC's high score reflects its unique student body and strategic location. Many of your classmates will be working professionals or military members using this degree to advance, not start, their careers. This real-world experience in the classroom creates a different, more applied learning environment than a traditional campus. You're also plugged into the massive Washington, D.C. metro job market, a hub for government agencies, contractors, and non-profits all needing skilled communicators. These employers value the practical, flexible education UMGC provides. Because many roles in this field face automation risk, your key to long-term success will be building a professional network. Proactively connect with your experienced peers and instructors; those relationships will be just as valuable as your diploma.

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 $615K $599K $538K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.2x 18.7x 16.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 12.5x 12.1x 10.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 63 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,968
Out-of-state: $49,344 (12.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,056
-82% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,533
34% growth from Year 1

About University of Maryland Global Campus

serving a student body of 48,238 in Adelphi, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maryland Global Campus →

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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Maryland Global Campus?
A score of 63/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Communication and Media Studies field.
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 $537,579 in decade earnings vs $615,023 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Maryland Global Campus's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 613 programs nationally, University of Maryland Global Campus lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →