Communication and Media Studies at University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings
$35,792/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
13.9x earnings multiple (10.1x 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 | $528K | $523K | $483K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.0x | 13.9x | 12.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 10.2x | 10.1x | 9.3x |
| 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)
$37,728
Out-of-state: $51,768 (10.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,625
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,291
46% growth from Year 1
About University of South Dakota
University of South Dakota accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 5,239 in Vermillion, SD.
See all programs and financial aid at University of South Dakota →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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of South Dakota?
A score of 44/100 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 $482,804 in decade earnings vs $527,817 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of South Dakota's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #150 of 613 programs nationally, University of South Dakota lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →