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Communication and Media Studies at Oakland University

Rochester Hills, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,795/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (5.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #225 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	$527K	$522K	$482K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.0x	8.9x	8.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.6x	5.2x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$58,776

Out-of-state: $92,752 (5.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$54,336

8% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,000

7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,793

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,795 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Oakland University earn slightly above the $35,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

A 8.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% 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 $22,000 against $37,795/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #225 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Oakland University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 40% earnings increase from $37,795 to $52,793 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Oakland University

With 70% of applicants admitted, Oakland University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 12,450 students in Rochester Hills, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Oakland 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 Oakland University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Oakland University?

At 40/100, 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 Oakland 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 →