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Communication and Media Studies at Vermont State University

Randolph, VT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $21,028/yr (-40% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 8.6x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #574 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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	$377K	$392K	$388K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.3x	8.6x	8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.4x	4.6x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	23	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$45,600

Out-of-state: $85,632 (4.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$83,460

-83% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,028 place Vermont State University below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.6x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a -3% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #574 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Vermont State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Vermont State University

Vermont State University accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 3,567 students in Randolph, VT.

See all programs and financial aid at Vermont State University →

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 Vermont State University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Vermont State University?

A score of 23/100 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 $387,885 in decade earnings vs $376,703 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Vermont State University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

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