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Communication and Media Studies at University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,920/yr (2% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 11.6x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #222 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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	$507K	$505K	$470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.6x	11.6x	10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.7x	4.7x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	40	40	33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,680

Out-of-state: $108,416 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$46,916

-7% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,678

5.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,157

37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,920 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 11.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $17,678 in median debt against $35,920 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #222 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places University of Southern Maine in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 37% earnings increase from $35,920 to $49,157 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Southern Maine

University of Southern Maine has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 4,245 in Portland, ME.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern Maine →

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 Southern Maine

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Southern Maine?

At 40/100, 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 Southern Maine?

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 →