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Communication and Media Studies at Winthrop University

Rock Hill, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,198/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 7.1x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #440 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 $446K $452K $431K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.0x 7.1x 6.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.7x 3.7x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,824
Out-of-state: $121,144 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,412
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,558
10% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Winthrop University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $35,198/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

A 7.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 3% 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 $27,000 against $35,198/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #440 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Winthrop University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $35,198 to $38,558 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Winthrop University

A 75% acceptance rate means Winthrop University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 3,424 in Rock Hill, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Winthrop 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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Winthrop University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($64,302) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,568) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($41,708) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($40,487) Special Education and Teaching ($40,435) Design and Applied Arts ($40,119) Social Work ($35,070) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($34,418)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Winthrop University?
At 30/100, 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 Winthrop 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 →