Communication and Media Studies at University of South Carolina Beaufort
Bluffton, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,750
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
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
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of South Carolina Beaufort
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
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 →