Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Trumbull

Warren, 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 #146 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)
$42,716
-47% 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

First-year earnings of $35,804 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.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,804 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #146 of 613 nationally, this is a top-5% Communication and Media Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $35,804 to $48,898 over five years — a 37% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Kent State University at Trumbull

with a smaller student body of 1,648 in Warren, OH.

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

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 Kent State University at Trumbull

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Kent State University at Trumbull?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $469,021 in decade earnings vs $505,876 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Kent State University at Trumbull's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #146 of 613 programs nationally, Kent State University at Trumbull lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →