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Communication and Media Studies at Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,747/yr (10% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #86 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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	$599K	$585K	$528K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.5x	11.3x	10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.2x	5.0x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	49	48	41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$51,988

Out-of-state: $116,292 (5.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,604

-11% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$63,822

65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,747 at Washington State University come in 10% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

At #86 of 613 nationally, this is a top-5% Communication and Media Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $63,822 show a 65% jump from the $38,747 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Washington State University

Washington State University accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 21,583 in Pullman, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Washington 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

A score of 48/100 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 $527,670 in decade earnings vs $599,248 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes Washington State University's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?

Ranked #86 of 613 programs nationally, Washington State 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 →