Communication and Media Studies at Indiana State University

Terre Haute, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,213/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #297 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 $481K $483K $454K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.0x 12.1x 11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.5x 5.6x 5.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 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)
$39,968
Out-of-state: $86,936 (5.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,752
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,606
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,519
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,213 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.

The 12.1x 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 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,606 debt-to-$34,213 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #297 out of 613 programs, Indiana State University's Communication and Media Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $34,213 to $44,519 shows 30% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Indiana State University

Indiana State University has a 92% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 6,620 students in Terre Haute, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana 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

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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 Indiana State University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →