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Communication and Media Studies at Troy University

Troy, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,154/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #330 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 $441K $448K $428K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.3x 11.4x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.6x 5.7x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,168
Out-of-state: $78,336 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,476
-42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$32,179
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,154/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% 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 $23,000 against $33,154/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #330 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Troy University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Troy University

Troy University accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 10,089 students in Troy, AL. Pell Grant recipients make up 42% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Troy 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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Troy University

Science, Technology and Society ($85,672) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($66,344) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($58,407) Political Science and Government ($46,279) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($45,260) Business/Commerce, General ($45,195) Accounting and Related Services ($44,005) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($42,788)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Troy University?
At 34/100, 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 Troy 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 →