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Communication and Media Studies at University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,050/yr (-9% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #339 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	$509K	$507K	$471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.4x	10.3x	9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.8x	5.8x	5.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	35	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)

$49,008

Out-of-state: $88,068 (5.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$35,664

27% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,635

6.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$48,076

50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,050/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 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $16,635 against $32,050/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #339 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places University of Illinois Springfield in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $32,050-to-$48,076 earnings arc over five years reflects a 50% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Illinois Springfield

University of Illinois Springfield accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 2,292 in Springfield, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Springfield →

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 Illinois Springfield

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 does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Illinois Springfield?

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 University of Illinois Springfield?

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 →