Communication and Media Studies at University of Michigan-Flint

Flint, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,982/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #299 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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 $503K $502K $467K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 9.0x 8.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,056
Out-of-state: $125,096 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,120
12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,504
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,982 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 9.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$35,982 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #299 out of 613 programs, University of Michigan-Flint's Communication and Media Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,982 to $48,504 shows 35% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Michigan-Flint

With a 69% acceptance rate, University of Michigan-Flint is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 4,157 in Flint, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Flint →

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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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 Michigan-Flint's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 36/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →