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Communication and Media Studies at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
57
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,556/yr (44% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 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 $687K $662K $583K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 9.6x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 2.8x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 57 50

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,941
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$81,316
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Communication and Media Studies program earn $50,556/yr in their first year — 44% above the $35,147 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.6x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 15% gap from the optimistic case.

At $19,941 in median debt against $50,556 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Ranked #8 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs nationally, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor sits in the top 1% — one of the strongest programs in the country by financial outcomes.

Five-year earnings of $81,316 show a 61% jump from the $50,556 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admits 18% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 33,488 students enrolled in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Compare Communication and Media Studies

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo → University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs CUNY Graduate School and University Center → University of Michigan-Ann Arbor vs University of Maryland Global Campus →

Other Majors at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($113,634) Computer Software and Media Applications ($98,117) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($93,674) Computer Engineering ($92,501) Information Science/Studies ($88,515) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($87,606) Industrial Engineering ($86,476) Mechanical Engineering ($82,823)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Michigan-Ann Arbor?
A score of 57/100 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 $582,779 in decade earnings vs $686,989 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #8 of 613 programs nationally, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 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 →