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Communication and Media Studies at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,662/yr (13% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #61 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 10%

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)	13.8x	13.6x	12.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	4.8x	4.4x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	49	41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,068

Out-of-state: $112,836 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$76,532

-91% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,896

6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,243

44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $39,662/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 13.6x 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 $21,896 against $39,662/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #61 of 613 programs, this Communication and Media Studies program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 44% earnings increase from $39,662 to $57,243 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

A 78% acceptance rate means University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus is accessible to most applicants, serving 10,686 students in Denver, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus →

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 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Consider the Trade Route?

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 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus?

At 49/100, 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 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus?

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 →