Communication and Media Studies at University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD · Public · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
64
Optimistic
63
Base Case
56
Pessimistic
Earnings $53,513/yr (52% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 18.7x earnings multiple (12.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 1%

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 $615K $599K $538K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.2x 18.7x 16.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 12.5x 12.1x 10.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 63 56

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,968
Out-of-state: $49,344 (12.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,056
-82% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,533
34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $53,513 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Maryland Global Campus significantly outpace the $35,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 18.7x 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 13% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $23,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #1 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs nationally, University of Maryland Global Campus sits in the top 1% — one of the strongest programs in the country by financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $53,513 to $71,533 over five years — a 34% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Maryland Global Campus

serving a student body of 48,238 in Adelphi, MD.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Maryland Global 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

Compare Communication and Media Studies

Other Majors at University of Maryland Global Campus

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Maryland Global Campus?
A score of 63/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Communication and Media Studies field.
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 $537,579 in decade earnings vs $615,023 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Maryland Global Campus's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 613 programs nationally, University of Maryland Global Campus lands in the top 1%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →