Communication and Media Studies at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,365/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 14.1x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #248 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 $520K $516K $478K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.2x 14.1x 13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.9x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,568
Out-of-state: $104,392 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,044
-10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,618
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,797
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $32,365 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.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $18,618 represents roughly 7 months of the $32,365 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #248 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Nevada-Las Vegas scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $49,797 show a 54% jump from the $32,365 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Nevada-Las Vegas

University of Nevada-Las Vegas has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 24,131 students enrolled in Las Vegas, NV. 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nevada-Las Vegas →

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

Other Majors at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

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 Nevada-Las Vegas?
A score of 39/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $477,653 in decade earnings vs $519,619 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →