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Communication and Media Studies at Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,782/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 16.3x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #76 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 $554K $546K $499K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.6x 16.3x 14.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.3x 4.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,412
Out-of-state: $103,568 (5.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,364
-57% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,519
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,910
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,782/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 16.3x 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 $20,519 against $37,782/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Eastern Washington University ranks #76 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $37,782-to-$56,910 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 6,517 students in Cheney, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern 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

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 Washington University

Engineering Technology, General ($70,789) Dental Support Services and Allied Professions ($67,984) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($67,004) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($66,443) Mechanical Engineering ($62,497) Accounting and Related Services ($52,665) Finance and Financial Management Services ($48,728) Health and Medical Administrative Services ($48,114)

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 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Eastern Washington University?
At 49/100, 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 Washington 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.
Is Eastern Washington University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Eastern Washington University's #76 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →