Communication and Media Studies at University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,586/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
9.0x earnings multiple (3.3x 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 | $454K | $459K | $436K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.9x | 9.0x | 8.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.2x | 3.3x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 36 | 35 | 28 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$50,752
Out-of-state: $139,736 (3.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
About University of South Carolina-Columbia
University of South Carolina-Columbia accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 28,113 students in Columbia, SC.
See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina-Columbia →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-Columbia
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 does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of South Carolina-Columbia?
At 35/100, 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-Columbia?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →