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Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Whitewater, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
52 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,367/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 16.8x earnings multiple (7.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #31 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 $565K $556K $506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.1x 16.8x 15.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.9x 7.8x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 52 52 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,000
Out-of-state: $71,664 (7.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,140
-79% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,600
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,216
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $39,367/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 16.8x 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.

At $23,600 against $39,367/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater ranks #31 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $39,367-to-$59,216 earnings arc over five years reflects a 50% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

A 83% acceptance rate means University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is accessible to most applicants, serving 9,180 students in Whitewater, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater →

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)

Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians ($70,016) Accounting and Related Services ($61,926) Finance and Financial Management Services ($55,874) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($55,477) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($52,995) Human Resources Management and Services ($52,071) Mathematics ($50,285) Business/Commerce, General ($49,965)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater?
At 52/100, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater'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 Wisconsin-Whitewater?
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 Wisconsin-Whitewater one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's #31 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 →