Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
46
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,286/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
12.3x earnings multiple (3.4x 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 | $562K | $553K | $504K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.5x | 12.3x | 11.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.5x | 3.4x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 46 | 46 | 39 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,820
Out-of-state: $162,412 (3.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,874
55% growth from Year 1
About University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts 43% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 35,665 in Madison, WI.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Madison →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 Wisconsin-Madison
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison?
A score of 46/100 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 $504,097 in decade earnings vs $561,721 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Wisconsin-Madison's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #117 of 613 programs nationally, University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 →