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Communication and Media Studies at University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,477/yr (-16% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 1.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #554 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	$421K	$431K	$416K
Earnings Multiple	1.8x	1.8x	1.7x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	24	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$239,600

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$155,680

35% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

11.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$50,336

71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Puget Sound's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $29,477/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The financial case is thin at 1.8x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 1% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 11 months of the $29,477 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #554 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Puget Sound falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Puget Sound

A 76% acceptance rate means University of Puget Sound is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,631 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $155,680 — 35% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Puget Sound →

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 Puget Sound

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 Puget Sound?

A score of 24/100 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 $415,935 in decade earnings vs $421,360 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from University of Puget Sound?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →