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Communication and Media Studies at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,491/yr (18% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #154 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	$508K	$506K	$470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.0x	10.0x	9.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.4x	4.4x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	44	43	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,608

Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,688

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,500

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$50,666

22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,491/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 10.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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.

At $17,500 in median debt against $41,491 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #154 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 $41,491 to $50,666 over five years — a 22% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, one of the larger campuses at 23,041 students in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona 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

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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 Northern Arizona University?

A score of 43/100 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 $470,065 in decade earnings vs $507,536 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes Northern Arizona University's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?

Ranked #154 of 613 programs nationally, Northern Arizona University 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 →