Communication and Media Studies at University of North Alabama

Florence, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,182/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #441 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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 $473K $476K $449K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 9.9x 9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.3x 5.4x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$47,960
Out-of-state: $88,760 (5.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$44,096
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,004
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,034
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,182/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of North Alabama land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.9x 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 5% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,004 represents roughly 9 months of the $30,182 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #441 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of North Alabama falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $30,182 to $42,034 over five years — a 39% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of North Alabama

With 96% of applicants admitted, University of North Alabama prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,468 in Florence, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Alabama →

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 North Alabama

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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of North Alabama?
A score of 29/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
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 $448,567 in decade earnings vs $473,313 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →