Communication and Media Studies at Washburn University
Topeka, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
45
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,932/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
13.1x earnings multiple (6.1x 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 | $501K | $500K | $466K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 13.1x | 13.1x | 12.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.1x | 6.1x | 5.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 45 | 45 | 37 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,312
Out-of-state: $82,328 (6.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,616
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,261
23% growth from Year 1
About Washburn University
with a smaller student body of 4,093 in Topeka, KS.
See all programs and financial aid at Washburn University →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 Washburn 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 Washburn University?
A score of 45/100 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 $466,195 in decade earnings vs $501,378 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Washburn University's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #121 of 613 programs nationally, Washburn University 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 →