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Communication and Media Studies at Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
29
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

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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Western Illinois University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($74,490) Construction Management ($70,789) Engineering, General ($66,112) Engineering Technology, General ($64,762) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($62,578) Accounting and Related Services ($49,900) Agriculture, General ($48,509) Human Resources Management and Services ($47,467)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

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 →