Communication and Media Studies at University of Missouri-St Louis

Saint Louis, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,809/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #321 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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 $513K $511K $474K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.5x 9.5x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,760
Out-of-state: $133,728 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,292
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,250
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,044
49% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,809/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Missouri-St Louis land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 9.5x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $17,250 debt-to-$32,809 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #321 out of 613 programs, University of Missouri-St Louis's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,809 to $49,044 shows 49% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Missouri-St Louis

University of Missouri-St Louis accepts 57% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 5,108 students in Saint Louis, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Missouri-St Louis →

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 Missouri-St Louis's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 35/100 — 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 →