Communication and Media Studies at Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,899/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
16.6x earnings multiple (6.4x 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 | $442K | $449K | $429K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 16.4x | 16.6x | 15.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.4x | 6.4x | 6.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 28 | 28 | 25 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$26,940
Out-of-state: $69,564 (6.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,782
12.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,446
42% growth from Year 1
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University's 69% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,244 in Winston-Salem, NC. Pell Grant recipients make up 61% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Winston-Salem State 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 Winston-Salem State 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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Winston-Salem State University?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Communication and Media Studies degree from Winston-Salem State University?
At $26,782 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Winston-Salem State 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 Winston-Salem State University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Winston-Salem State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →