Communication and Media Studies at Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,951/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 19.1x earnings multiple (6.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #168 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 $520K $516K $478K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.2x 19.1x 17.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.3x 6.3x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,080
Out-of-state: $82,344 (6.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,728
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,450
4.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,072
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Southern Utah University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $32,951/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 19.1x 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 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $12,450 in median debt clears quickly against $32,951 in annual earnings.

At #168 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Southern Utah University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $50,072 show a 52% jump from the $32,951 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Southern Utah University

A 80% acceptance rate means Southern Utah University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 9,533 students in Cedar City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Utah 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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Southern Utah 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 $477,856 in decade earnings vs $519,944 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →