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Communication and Media Studies at University of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,785/yr (5% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 9.0x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #149 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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	$606K	$591K	$532K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.2x	9.0x	8.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.1x	3.7x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	44	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$65,632

Out-of-state: $143,216 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$79,596

-21% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,813

7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$63,795

73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $36,785/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Rhode Island land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,813 against $36,785/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Rhode Island ranks #149 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $36,785-to-$63,795 earnings arc over five years reflects a 73% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Rhode Island

With 77% of applicants admitted, University of Rhode Island prioritizes broad access, serving 13,822 students in Kingston, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Rhode Island →

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 Rhode Island

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Rhode Island?

At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at University of Rhode Island?

The 55% 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.

Is University of Rhode Island one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Rhode Island's #149 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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