Communication and Media Studies at Alabama State University

Montgomery, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,996/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.5x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #576 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 $467K $470K $445K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.5x 9.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 6.0x 5.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,992
Out-of-state: $78,304 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,556
-23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$32,250
17.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,881
72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,996 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Alabama State University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 10.5x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $32,250 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,996 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #576 out of 613 programs, Alabama State University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $21,996 to $37,881 over five years (72% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Alabama State University

With 96% of applicants admitted, Alabama State University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 3,322 students in Montgomery, AL. 72% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Alabama 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 Alabama 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

How does Alabama State University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Alabama State University Communication and Media Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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 are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Alabama State University?
Lower starting pay at Alabama State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →