Communication and Media Studies at Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,106/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 16.6x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #263 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 $538K $532K $489K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.8x 16.6x 15.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.8x 6.8x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 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)
$32,032
Out-of-state: $78,768 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,556
-136% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,332
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,106 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Pittsburg State University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

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 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,500 represents roughly 10 months of the $28,106 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #263 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Pittsburg State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $50,332 show a 79% jump from the $28,106 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Pittsburg State University

With 88% of applicants admitted, Pittsburg State University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 4,162 in Pittsburg, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at Pittsburg 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Pittsburg State University?
A score of 38/100 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 $488,925 in decade earnings vs $537,565 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Pittsburg State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →