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Communication and Media Studies at Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, OK · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,703/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 15.1x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #272 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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 $449K $455K $433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.9x 15.1x 14.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.8x 6.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,052
Out-of-state: $66,532 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,200
-57% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,703/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 15.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% 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.

A #272 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Northeastern State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 4,636 in Tahlequah, OK. With 42% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern 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

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 Northeastern State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($80,792) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($62,912) Management Information Systems and Services ($51,298) Accounting and Related Services ($49,823) Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians ($49,321) Special Education and Teaching ($46,045) Finance and Financial Management Services ($45,998) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($43,690)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Northeastern State University?
At 38/100, 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 Northeastern 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →