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Communication and Media Studies at East Central University

Ada, OK · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,638/yr (-30% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #504 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	$396K	$408K	$400K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.3x	12.7x	12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.6x	5.8x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	27	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,128

Out-of-state: $70,168 (5.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$37,148

-16% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,250

10.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $24,638/yr fall 30% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 12.7x 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 -1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,250 debt-to-$24,638 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #504 out of 613 programs, East Central University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About East Central University

With a 66% acceptance rate, East Central University is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 2,157 students in Ada, OK.

See all programs and financial aid at East Central 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 East Central 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

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

This program scores 27/100 — 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 are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at East Central University?

Lower starting pay at East Central University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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