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Communication and Media Studies at University of South Carolina Beaufort

Bluffton, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,017/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #478 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 $414K $424K $411K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.6x 9.9x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.9x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,920
Out-of-state: $87,104 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,236
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,750
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $28,017 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of South Carolina Beaufort earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 9.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 1% 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 $24,750 against $28,017/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #478 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places University of South Carolina Beaufort in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of South Carolina Beaufort

University of South Carolina Beaufort accepts 69% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,958 students in Bluffton, SC. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina Beaufort →

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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at University of South Carolina Beaufort

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($64,671) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,659) Computational Science ($43,834) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($42,816) Hospitality Administration/Management ($34,503) Public Health ($33,628) Social Sciences, General ($32,682) Biology, General ($32,212)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of South Carolina Beaufort?
At 28/100, 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 South Carolina Beaufort?
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 South Carolina Beaufort a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of South Carolina Beaufort's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →