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Communication and Media Studies at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $40,772/yr (16% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.0x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #64 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	$570K	$560K	$510K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.2x	12.0x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.8x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	50	49	42

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$46,800

Out-of-state: $117,648 (4.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,460

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,811

5.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$60,475

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,772 at University of Kansas come in 16% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

With a 12.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% 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.

With first-year pay of $40,772 far exceeding the $18,811 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #64 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 48% earnings increase from $40,772 to $60,475 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Kansas

University of Kansas accepts 88% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 19,857 students in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

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

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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 does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Kansas?

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 Kansas?

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 →