Communication and Media Studies at Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,210/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 28.5x earnings multiple (14.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #367 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 $447K $453K $432K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 28.1x 28.5x 27.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 14.0x 14.2x 13.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 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)
$15,876
Out-of-state: $31,876 (14.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$29,440
-85% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
13.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,927
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Fayetteville State University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $24,210/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 31%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 28.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% 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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #367 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Fayetteville State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 48% earnings increase from $24,210 to $35,927 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Fayetteville State University

A 80% acceptance rate means Fayetteville State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,493 students in Fayetteville, NC. With 53% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Fayetteville State 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 Fayetteville State 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

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Fayetteville State University?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Communication and Media Studies degree from Fayetteville State University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Fayetteville State 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 Fayetteville State University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Fayetteville State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →