Communication and Media Studiesat Utica University
Graduates earn $23,890/yr in their first year — about 32.0% below the national Communication and Media Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $405K; scenarios range from $397K to $392K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Utica University
While the career paths listed are national possibilities, your early career earnings will be shaped by the local job market. Utica is not a major media hub like New York City, so the high-paying corporate communications and agency roles that boost national averages are scarce in the immediate area. Graduates often start in roles at local non-profits, small businesses, or regional media outlets where salaries are more modest. The program provides a broad communications toolkit, but it doesn’t have the established recruiting pipelines into top-tier agencies or Fortune 500 companies that larger, more connected programs might offer. To maximize your degree's value, you must be proactive in securing internships in a major city during your summers; this experience will be essential for competing for higher-paying jobs outside the region after graduation.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Utica University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Communication and Media Studies
How Utica University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Utica University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Utica University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication and Media Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Communication and Media Studies at Utica University
What does a 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Utica University?
At 21/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Communication and Media Studies degree from Utica University?
At $24,345 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Utica University?
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 Utica University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Utica University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.