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Communication and Media Studies at William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,870/yr (-9% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 8.6x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #365 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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)	8.6x	8.6x	7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.3x	4.9x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	34	33	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$60,600

Out-of-state: $97,856 (5.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$71,056

-17% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,638

8.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,256

58% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,870 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 8.6x 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 $23,638 against $31,870/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #365 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places William Paterson University of New Jersey in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,870-to-$50,256 earnings arc over five years reflects a 58% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson University of New Jersey has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 6,526 students in Wayne, NJ. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at William Paterson University of New Jersey →

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

Other Majors at William Paterson University of New Jersey

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 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at William Paterson University of New Jersey?

At 33/100, 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 William Paterson University of New Jersey?

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 →