Communication and Media Studies at University of Memphis
Memphis, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,922/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
11.7x earnings multiple (8.2x 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 | $481K | $482K | $453K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.6x | 11.7x | 11.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 8.1x | 8.2x | 7.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 28 | 28 | 24 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,376
Out-of-state: $59,136 (8.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
10.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,952
56% growth from Year 1
About University of Memphis
University of Memphis accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 13,645 in Memphis, TN.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Memphis →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 Memphis
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
How does University of Memphis's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at University of Memphis?
Lower starting pay at University of Memphis may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →