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Communication and Media Studies at University of Hawaii at Hilo

Hilo, HI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,159/yr (-28% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #387 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	$508K	$506K	$470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.2x	16.1x	15.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.1x	6.1x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	32	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$31,352

Out-of-state: $83,192 (6.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,252

-54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,505

9.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$44,892

78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Hawaii at Hilo's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $25,159/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 28%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 16.1x 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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,505 represents roughly 10 months of the $25,159 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #387 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Hawaii at Hilo falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $44,892 show a 78% jump from the $25,159 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Hawaii at Hilo

A 90% acceptance rate means University of Hawaii at Hilo is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,260 students in Hilo, HI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Hawaii at Hilo →

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 Hawaii at Hilo

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Hawaii at Hilo?

A score of 32/100 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 $470,231 in decade earnings vs $507,803 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from University of Hawaii at Hilo?

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 →