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Communication and Media Studies at University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,754/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #449 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	$412K	$423K	$410K
Earnings Multiple	10.4x	10.7x	10.4x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	29	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$39,500

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$45,144

-14% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,339

8.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

University of the Cumberlands's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $27,754/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 21%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 10.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,339 debt-to-$27,754 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #449 out of 613 programs, University of the Cumberlands's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University of the Cumberlands

A 71% acceptance rate means University of the Cumberlands is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,468 in Williamsburg, KY. Pell Grant recipients make up 48% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of the Cumberlands →

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 the Cumberlands

Consider the Trade Route?

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

How does University of the Cumberlands's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at University of the Cumberlands?

Lower starting pay at University of the Cumberlands may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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