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Communication and Media Studies at University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $40,558/yr (15% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 13.3x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #99 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	$522K	$518K	$479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.4x	13.3x	12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.1x	6.1x	5.6x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	47	40

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$38,912

Out-of-state: $85,088 (6.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,436

-50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,562

4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,777

30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,558 at University of Northern Iowa come in 15% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

With a 13.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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.

With first-year pay of $40,558 far exceeding the $16,562 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

University of Northern Iowa ranks #99 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 30% earnings increase from $40,558 to $52,777 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa accepts 94% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 7,599 in Cedar Falls, IA.

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

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 Iowa

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Northern Iowa?

At 47/100, 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 Northern Iowa?

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 Northern Iowa one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Northern Iowa's #99 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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