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Communication and Media Studies at Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $35,715/yr (2% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 15.8x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)

Ranked #166 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	$497K	$497K	$464K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	15.8x	15.8x	14.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.9x	6.9x	6.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	43	36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$31,512

Out-of-state: $71,832 (6.9x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$81,044

-157% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,022

7.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,472

33% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,715 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.

With a 15.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $21,022 against $35,715/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #166 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Tarleton State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 33% earnings increase from $35,715 to $47,472 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 12,263 in Stephenville, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Tarleton 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 Tarleton 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 does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Tarleton State University?

At 43/100, 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 Tarleton State University?

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.

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