Communication and Media Studies at SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,344/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 14.9x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #396 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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 $508K $506K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.0x 14.9x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.7x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,944
Out-of-state: $75,624 (6.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,916
-68% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,031
9.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,478
73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $26,344 place SUNY Buffalo State University below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.9x 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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,031 represents roughly 10 months of the $26,344 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #396 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, SUNY Buffalo State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $45,478 show a 73% jump from the $26,344 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About SUNY Buffalo State University

SUNY Buffalo State University accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 5,358 in Buffalo, NY. 53% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY Buffalo 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

Other Majors at SUNY Buffalo State University

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at SUNY Buffalo State University?
A score of 32/100 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 $470,167 in decade earnings vs $507,698 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from SUNY Buffalo 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 →