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Communication and Media Studies at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
54 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
55
Optimistic
54
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,638/yr (27% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #18 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 $613K $597K $536K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.0x 11.7x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 55 54 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,268
Out-of-state: $168,684 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,068
22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,260
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $44,638 put University of Washington-Tacoma Campus's Communication and Media Studies program 27% above the national median of $35,147 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% 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.

With first-year pay of $44,638 far exceeding the $15,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus ranks #18 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $44,638-to-$68,260 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 3,989 in Tacoma, WA. With 40% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus →

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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Compare Communication and Media Studies

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo → University of Washington-Tacoma Campus vs CUNY Graduate School and University Center → University of Washington-Tacoma Campus vs University of Maryland Global Campus →

Other Majors at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($86,212) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($81,989) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($73,385) Civil Engineering ($73,357) Mechanical Engineering ($66,947) Finance and Financial Management Services ($63,500) Accounting and Related Services ($62,731) Marketing ($51,530)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
At 54/100, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus'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 Washington-Tacoma Campus?
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 Washington-Tacoma Campus one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus's #18 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 →