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Communication and Media Studies at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,651/yr (36% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #200 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 $668K $646K $571K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,875
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,431
62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of University of Southern California's Communication and Media Studies program earn $47,651/yr in their first year — 36% above the $35,147 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The financial case is thin at 2.4x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 15% gap from the optimistic case.

At $15,875 in median debt against $47,651 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #200 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Southern California scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $77,431 show a 62% jump from the $47,651 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with 20,817 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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 Southern California

Computer Science ($137,284) Computer Software and Media Applications ($103,071) Real Estate ($98,763) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($89,684) Industrial Engineering ($87,807) Civil Engineering ($85,262) Mechanical Engineering ($83,356) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($80,508)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Southern California?
A score of 41/100 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 $571,079 in decade earnings vs $668,361 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is University of Southern California a hidden gem for Communication and Media Studies?
After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below the $272,948 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →