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Communication and Media Studies at University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,892/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 11.1x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #219 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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	$537K	$531K	$489K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.2x	11.1x	10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.1x	5.1x	4.7x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	41	40	34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$48,040

Out-of-state: $104,816 (5.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,828

-54% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,848

6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,322

53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,892 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.1x 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 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,848 represents roughly 7 months of the $34,892 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #219 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Northern Colorado scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $53,322 show a 53% jump from the $34,892 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Northern Colorado

University of Northern Colorado has a 86% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,693 students in Greeley, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northern Colorado →

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 Northern Colorado

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Northern Colorado?

A score of 40/100 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 $488,552 in decade earnings vs $536,973 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

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