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Communication and Media Studies at California State University-Stanislaus

Turlock, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,179/yr (-14% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 17.6x earnings multiple (7.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #170 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	$559K	$551K	$503K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.9x	17.6x	16.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.1x	7.0x	6.4x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	42	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$31,304

Out-of-state: $78,824 (7.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$22,684

28% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,000

6.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$54,270

80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,179/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from California State University-Stanislaus land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 17.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $16,000 against $30,179/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #170 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places California State University-Stanislaus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $30,179-to-$54,270 earnings arc over five years reflects a 80% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Stanislaus

With 97% of applicants admitted, California State University-Stanislaus prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,564 in Turlock, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 55% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Stanislaus →

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 California State University-Stanislaus

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at California State University-Stanislaus?

At 42/100, 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 California State University-Stanislaus?

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 →