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Communication and Media Studies at University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $43,801/yr (25% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #27 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 5%

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	$552K	$544K	$498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.8x	14.6x	13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.6x	4.2x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	54	53	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$37,260

Out-of-state: $119,348 (4.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$52,688

-41% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,500

4.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,546

34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Utah's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $43,801/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 14.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $17,500 in median debt clears quickly against $43,801 in annual earnings.

University of Utah ranks #27 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 34% earnings increase from $43,801 to $58,546 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Utah

A 87% acceptance rate means University of Utah is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 26,041 students in Salt Lake City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Utah →

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 Utah

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Utah?

At 53/100, University of Utah's Communication and Media Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at University of Utah?

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 Utah one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Utah's #27 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →