Communication and Media Studies at Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,410/yr (-36% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 18.5x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #465 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 $384K $398K $392K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.8x 18.5x 18.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 6.2x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$21,568
Out-of-state: $64,456 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,436
-115% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
16.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Fort Valley State University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $22,410/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 36%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 18.5x 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 -2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $31,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $22,410 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #465 out of 613 programs, Fort Valley State University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley State University's 63% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 2,541 students in Fort Valley, GA. With 72% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Fort Valley 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 Fort Valley State University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fort Valley State University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Fort Valley State University Communication and Media Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.4x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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 Fort Valley State University?
Lower starting pay at Fort Valley State 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 →