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Communication and Media Studies at State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,860/yr (-15% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (7.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #210 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	$558K	$549K	$501K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.4x	16.1x	14.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.6x	7.4x	6.8x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	41	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$34,096

Out-of-state: $73,736 (7.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,924

-117% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,500

7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,859

80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,860 place State University of New York at New Paltz below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 16.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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 $18,500 against $29,860/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #210 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places State University of New York at New Paltz in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $29,860-to-$53,859 earnings arc over five years reflects a 80% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About State University of New York at New Paltz

A 59% admission rate makes State University of New York at New Paltz accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 6,022 students in New Paltz, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at State University of New York at New Paltz →

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 State University of New York at New Paltz

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 41/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at State University of New York at New Paltz?

At 41/100, 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 State University of New York at New Paltz?

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.

Is State University of New York at New Paltz a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If State University of New York at New Paltz's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →