Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $32,755 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
At 8.5x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $23,000 debt-to-$32,755 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #392 out of 613 programs, Grand Valley State University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,755 to $46,747 shows 43% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.