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Communication and Media Studies at The University of Tennessee-Martin

Martin, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,803/yr (-24% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (7.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #510 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	$465K	$469K	$443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.4x	11.5x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.2x	7.2x	6.8x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	27	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,832

Out-of-state: $64,992 (7.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$41,196

-1% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,650

9.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,609

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,803 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from The University of Tennessee-Martin earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.5x 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 5% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,650 represents roughly 10 months of the $26,803 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #510 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, The University of Tennessee-Martin falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $26,803 to $39,609 over five years — a 48% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About The University of Tennessee-Martin

With 87% of applicants admitted, The University of Tennessee-Martin prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,600 students in Martin, TN.

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

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-Martin

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 The University of Tennessee-Martin?

A score of 27/100 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 $443,313 in decade earnings vs $464,943 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from The University of Tennessee-Martin?

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 →