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Communication and Media Studies at Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,815/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #244 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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	$517K	$514K	$476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.0x	11.9x	11.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.5x	4.5x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	39	32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,032

Out-of-state: $115,064 (4.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$63,592

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

7.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,909

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Ball State University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $33,815/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

With a 11.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $21,500 against $33,815/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #244 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Ball State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 48% earnings increase from $33,815 to $49,909 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Ball State University

A 72% acceptance rate means Ball State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 13,770 students in Muncie, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Ball 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 Ball 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 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Ball State University?

At 39/100, 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 Ball 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.

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