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Communication and Media Studies at University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,682/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #472 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 $421K $430K $416K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.1x 14.4x 13.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.3x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,844
Out-of-state: $99,236 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,460
-72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,802
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,682 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of North Carolina Asheville earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 14.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 against $27,682/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #472 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places University of North Carolina Asheville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $27,682 to $32,802 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of North Carolina Asheville

With 94% of applicants admitted, University of North Carolina Asheville prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,790 students in Asheville, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina Asheville →

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)

Other Majors at University of North Carolina Asheville

Engineering, General ($73,410) Accounting and Related Services ($53,705) Computer Science ($48,076) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,945) Chemistry ($36,891) Mathematics ($33,651) Economics ($28,301) History ($28,205)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of North Carolina Asheville?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at University of North Carolina Asheville?
The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of North Carolina Asheville a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of North Carolina Asheville's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →