Communication and Media Studies at University of the Pacific
Stockton, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,292/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
2.8x earnings multiple
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 | $630K | $612K | $547K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.8x | 2.8x | 2.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 23 | 23 | 18 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$221,360
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,580
118% growth from Year 1
About University of the Pacific
University of the Pacific has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 3,247 students in Stockton, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $103,704 over four years — 53% below sticker price.
See all programs and financial aid at University of the Pacific →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 the Pacific
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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of the Pacific?
A score of 23/100 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 $546,710 in decade earnings vs $629,564 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from University of the Pacific?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Is University of the Pacific a hidden gem for Communication and Media Studies?
After financial aid, the average student pays $103,704 over four years — 53% below the $221,360 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →