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Communication and Media Studies at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $41,258/yr (17% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.1x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #114 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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	$552K	$544K	$498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.2x	10.1x	9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.3x	4.3x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$53,936

Out-of-state: $127,896 (4.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$72,436

-34% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,611

5.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,807

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,258/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 10.1x 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 $19,611 in median debt against $41,258 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville ranks #114 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 40% earnings increase from $41,258 to $57,807 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

With a 46% acceptance rate, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is moderately selective, serving a student body of 28,763 in Knoxville, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville →

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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

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 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?

At 46/100, 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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville?

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 The University of Tennessee-Knoxville one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's #114 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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