Program Analysis
At $33,046/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of California-San Diego land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The 10.1x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The median debt load of $13,193 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.
Ranked #171 out of 613 programs, University of California-San Diego's Communication and Media Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $33,046 to $65,361 over five years (98% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.