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Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Salem

Salem, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,804/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 17.3x earnings multiple (7.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #148 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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 $506K $504K $469K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.4x 17.3x 16.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.5x 7.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,088
Out-of-state: $66,976 (7.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,372
-59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,898
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,804/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Kent State University at Salem land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 17.3x 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 $25,000 against $35,804/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Kent State University at Salem ranks #148 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 37% earnings increase from $35,804 to $48,898 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Kent State University at Salem

a smaller institution with 1,127 students in Salem, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Kent State University at Salem →

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 Kent State University at Salem

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($66,990) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($59,567) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($43,509) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($41,205) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($33,980) Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services ($33,643) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($33,040) Psychology, General ($28,474)

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 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Salem?
At 44/100, 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 Kent State University at Salem?
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 Kent State University at Salem one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Kent State University at Salem's #148 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →