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Communication and Media Studies at Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,390/yr (4% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #123 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	$627K	$610K	$545K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.8x	9.5x	8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.6x	3.5x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	46	45	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)

$63,952

Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$83,004

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,250

8.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$66,407

82% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $36,390/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 9.5x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 13% 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 $25,250 against $36,390/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Michigan State University ranks #123 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $36,390-to-$66,407 earnings arc over five years reflects a 82% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Michigan State University

Michigan State University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 40,243 in East Lansing, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Michigan 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

Other Majors at Michigan State 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 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Michigan State University?

At 45/100, 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 Michigan State 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 Michigan State University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Michigan State University's #123 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 →