Communication and Media Studies at University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
19
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
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
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$50,336
71% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
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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 →