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Communication and Media Studies at Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,142/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 8.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #294 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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	$526K	$521K	$481K
Earnings Multiple	8.8x	8.7x	8.0x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	36	36	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$59,808

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$46,368

22% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,170

9.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,354

50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,142/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 8.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $28,170 against $34,142/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #294 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Western Illinois University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $34,142-to-$51,354 earnings arc over five years reflects a 50% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University accepts 75% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 4,939 students in Macomb, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Illinois 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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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Western Illinois University?

At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Western Illinois 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.

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