Communication & Media Studies at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,969/yr (27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,900 openings/yr)
ROI 7.5x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 16 Communication & Journalism programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Your strong earnings potential from a UMN communications degree isn't just about the program's quality; it's about geography. The Twin Cities are a major corporate hub, home to headquarters for companies like Target, 3M, and General Mills. These firms have massive internal and external communications departments, creating a robust local job market that actively recruits from the university. You're not just learning theory; you're tapping into a direct pipeline for roles in strategic communication, public relations, and corporate marketing that pay well above the national baseline for this field. To stand out in this competitive market and hedge against AI disruption, your key move is to specialize. Don't just be a generalist writer; focus your internships and projects on a high-demand area like healthcare communications for Medtronic or retail marketing analytics for Best Buy, building a portfolio that local employers can't ignore.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication & Media Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $498K $497K $462K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.5x 7.5x 7.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.4x 3.4x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 39% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,952
Out-of-state: $145,608 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$68,556
-4% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,153
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$57,825
32% growth from Year 1

About University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 30,469 in Minneapolis, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities →

Top Career Paths

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Communication & Media Studies at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication & Media Studies at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication & Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication & Media Studies at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
The 65% 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 →