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Communication and Media Studies at Indiana University-Southeast

New Albany, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,777/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #359 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 $507K $505K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 15.4x 14.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.7x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,716
Out-of-state: $88,172 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$33,028
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,829
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,563
70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Indiana University-Southeast's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $26,777/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 24%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 15.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $20,829 against $26,777/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #359 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Indiana University-Southeast in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,777-to-$45,563 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Indiana University-Southeast

A 83% acceptance rate means Indiana University-Southeast is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 3,088 students in New Albany, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Indiana University-Southeast →

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 Indiana University-Southeast

Computer Science ($72,634) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($66,302) Business/Commerce, General ($47,862) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,243) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($41,898) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($37,440) Biology, General ($35,707) Psychology, General ($33,438)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Indiana University-Southeast?
At 33/100, 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 Indiana University-Southeast?
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 Indiana University-Southeast a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Indiana University-Southeast'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 →