Communication and Media Studies at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

Pittsburgh, PA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,781/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 6.5x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #274 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 $565K $556K $506K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.6x 6.5x 5.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$86,096
Out-of-state: $159,560 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$120,296
-40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,870
8.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,752
61% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $35,781/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 6.5x 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 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,870 represents roughly 9 months of the $35,781 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #274 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $57,752 show a 61% jump from the $35,781 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 20,189 students in Pittsburgh, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus?
A score of 38/100 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 $506,312 in decade earnings vs $565,245 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →