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Communication and Media Studies at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,820/yr (2% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #152 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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	$534K	$528K	$486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.5x	14.4x	13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.0x	4.9x	4.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	45	44	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$36,768

Out-of-state: $107,084 (4.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,860

-60% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,065

7.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,167

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Central Washington University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $35,820/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

The 14.4x 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 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,065 debt-to-$35,820 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #152 out of 613 programs, Central Washington University's Communication and Media Studies program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,820 to $53,167 shows 48% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Central Washington University

A 90% acceptance rate means Central Washington University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 8,081 in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington 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 Central Washington University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Central Washington University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 44/100 — 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.

Why does Central Washington University rank so high for Communication and Media Studies?

The #152 ranking out of 613 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

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