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Communication and Media Studies at Eastern Oregon University

La Grande, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,143/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #273 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 $462K $466K $441K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.8x 10.9x 10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,684
Out-of-state: $98,484 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,948
-50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,612
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,143/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% 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 $20,612 against $37,143/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #273 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Eastern Oregon University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,201 students in La Grande, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern Oregon 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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Eastern Oregon University

Fire Protection ($58,911) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,558) Education, Other ($44,558) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($43,804) Social Sciences, Other ($42,347) Biology, General ($35,435) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($32,584) Psychology, General ($27,698)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Eastern Oregon University?
At 38/100, 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 Eastern Oregon 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 →