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Communication and Media Studies at Winona State University

Winona, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,197/yr (9% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #125 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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	$535K	$529K	$487K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.7x	12.6x	11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.8x	7.7x	7.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	45	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,992

Out-of-state: $68,920 (7.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,592

-73% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,908

7.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,159

42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $38,197 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Winona State University earn slightly above the $35,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 12.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,908 debt-to-$38,197 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #125 out of 613 programs, Winona State University's Communication and Media Studies program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $38,197 to $54,159 shows 42% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Winona State University

Winona State University accepts 69% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 5,088 students in Winona, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Winona State 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

Other Majors at Winona State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Winona State University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does Winona State University rank so high for Communication and Media Studies?

The #125 ranking out of 613 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

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