Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $35,282 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 13.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $24,000 debt-to-$35,282 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #229 out of 613 programs, Southeast Missouri State University's Communication and Media Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,282 to $47,311 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.