Communication and Media Studies at Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,909/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
10.2x earnings multiple (8.1x 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 | $524K | $520K | $481K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.3x | 10.2x | 9.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 8.1x | 8.1x | 7.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 31 | 26 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,052
Out-of-state: $64,380 (8.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,543
10.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,487
74% growth from Year 1
About Western Connecticut State University
With 81% of applicants admitted, Western Connecticut State University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 3,434 students in Danbury, CT.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Connecticut State 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 Western Connecticut 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
How does Western Connecticut State University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Western Connecticut State University?
Lower starting pay at Western Connecticut State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →