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Communication and Media Studies at University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $40,296/yr (15% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 15.8x earnings multiple (5.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #25 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 5%

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	$582K	$570K	$517K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.2x	15.8x	14.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.6x	5.5x	5.0x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	54	53	45

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,976

Out-of-state: $103,800 (5.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$61,608

-71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$17,232

5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$61,967

54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $40,296 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Nevada-Reno earn slightly above the $35,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 15.8x 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 11% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $17,232 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #25 of 613 nationally, this is a top-5% Communication and Media Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $61,967 show a 54% jump from the $40,296 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Nevada-Reno

With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Nevada-Reno prioritizes broad access, enrolling 15,723 students in Reno, NV.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nevada-Reno →

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 Nevada-Reno

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Nevada-Reno?

A score of 53/100 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 $516,617 in decade earnings vs $581,651 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes University of Nevada-Reno's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?

Ranked #25 of 613 programs nationally, University of Nevada-Reno lands in the top 5%. 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 →