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Communication and Media Studies at Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,643/yr (-27% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 14.5x earnings multiple (8.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #422 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	$504K	$502K	$468K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.5x	14.5x	13.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.9x	8.8x	8.2x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	31	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)

$34,700

Out-of-state: $56,876 (8.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,384

-71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$23,175

10.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$44,606

74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $25,643 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Austin Peay State University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 14.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $23,175 against $25,643/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #422 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Austin Peay State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,643-to-$44,606 earnings arc over five years reflects a 74% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Austin Peay State University

With 96% of applicants admitted, Austin Peay State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 7,365 students in Clarksville, TN. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Austin Peay 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 Austin Peay State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Austin Peay State University?

At 31/100, 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 Austin Peay 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 Austin Peay State University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Austin Peay 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 →