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Communication and Media Studies at Kean University

Union, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,983/yr (-20% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #395 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	$545K	$538K	$493K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.1x	10.0x	9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.5x	6.4x	5.9x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	32	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$53,704

Out-of-state: $84,304 (6.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,672

9% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,469

9.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,189

83% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,983 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Kean University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 10.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 9% 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 $21,469 against $27,983/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #395 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Kean University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $27,983-to-$51,189 earnings arc over five years reflects a 83% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Kean University

With 77% of applicants admitted, Kean University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 10,842 in Union, NJ. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Kean 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 Kean 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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Kean University?

At 32/100, 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 Kean 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 Kean University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Kean 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 →