Communication and Media Studies at Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
49
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,600/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
13.1x earnings multiple (4.7x 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 | $592K | $579K | $523K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 13.4x | 13.1x | 11.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.8x | 4.7x | 4.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 49 | 49 | 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)
$44,100
Out-of-state: $122,940 (4.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,654
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,300
66% growth from Year 1
About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 3,211 students in Monmouth, OR.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Oregon 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 Oregon University
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 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Western Oregon University?
At 49/100, 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 Oregon 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.
Is Western Oregon University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Western Oregon University's #74 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →