Communication and Media Studies at Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$33,955/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
10.7x earnings multiple (4.5x 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 | $490K | $490K | $459K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 10.7x | 10.7x | 10.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.5x | 4.5x | 4.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 36 | 35 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,744
Out-of-state: $108,000 (4.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,754
35% growth from Year 1
About Western Kentucky University
With 97% of applicants admitted, Western Kentucky University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 12,267 in Bowling Green, KY.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Western Kentucky University?
At 35/100, 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 Kentucky 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 →