Program Analysis
East Tennessee State University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $27,380/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 22%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $21,274 represents roughly 9 months of the $27,380 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #456 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, East Tennessee State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $41,501 show a 52% jump from the $27,380 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.