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Communication and Media Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,702/yr (13% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.9x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #111 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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	$526K	$522K	$482K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.0x	12.9x	11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.7x	4.7x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,432

Out-of-state: $110,992 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,696

-72% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,150

6.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,230

34% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $39,702/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 12.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,150 debt-to-$39,702 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #111 out of 613 programs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Communication and Media Studies program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $39,702 to $53,230 shows 34% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

A 77% acceptance rate means University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accessible to most applicants, serving 18,887 students in Lincoln, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska-Lincoln →

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 Nebraska-Lincoln

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 46/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does University of Nebraska-Lincoln rank so high for Communication and Media Studies?

The #111 ranking out of 613 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →