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Communication and Media Studies at Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH · Public · Bachelor's Degree
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,232/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #55 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 10%

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 $587K $575K $520K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.4x 11.2x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.7x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,436
Out-of-state: $153,460 (3.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,168
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,822
5.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,099
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,232 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Ohio State University-Main Campus earn slightly above the $35,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 11.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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.

The median debt load of $19,822 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #55 of 613 programs, this Communication and Media Studies program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The $41,232-to-$63,099 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio State University-Main Campus accepts 51% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 44,617 in Columbus, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ohio State University-Main Campus →

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 Ohio State University-Main Campus

Computer Engineering ($83,342) Applied Mathematics ($82,523) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($82,448) Industrial Engineering ($80,876) Mechanical Engineering ($79,359) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($78,872) Engineering, Other ($78,734) Chemical Engineering ($77,455)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
At 50/100, Ohio State University-Main Campus's Communication and Media Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Ohio State University-Main Campus?
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 →