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Communication and Media Studies at Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,354/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #383 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	$466K	$470K	$444K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.4x	12.4x	11.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.8x	5.8x	5.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	33	32	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)

$37,744

Out-of-state: $80,368 (5.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,384

-55% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,500

10.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$41,292

32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,354/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Auburn University at Montgomery land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 12.4x 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 $26,500 debt-to-$31,354 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #383 out of 613 programs, Auburn University at Montgomery's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $31,354 to $41,292 shows 32% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Auburn University at Montgomery

With 93% of applicants admitted, Auburn University at Montgomery prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 2,693 in Montgomery, AL. 43% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Auburn University at Montgomery →

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 Auburn University at Montgomery

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Auburn University at Montgomery's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 32/100 — 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.

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