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Communication and Media Studies at University of the Pacific

Stockton, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,292/yr (-20% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #556 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	$630K	$612K	$547K
Earnings Multiple	2.8x	2.8x	2.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	23	23	18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$221,360

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$103,704

53% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,500

7.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$61,580

118% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $28,292/yr fall 20% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The financial case is thin at 2.8x — 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 13% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $18,500 represents roughly 8 months of the $28,292 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #556 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of the Pacific falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $61,580 show a 118% jump from the $28,292 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of the Pacific

University of the Pacific has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 3,247 students in Stockton, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $103,704 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

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

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 Pacific

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of the Pacific?

A score of 23/100 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 $546,710 in decade earnings vs $629,564 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from University of the Pacific?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

Is University of the Pacific a hidden gem for Communication and Media Studies?

After financial aid, the average student pays $103,704 over four years — 53% below the $221,360 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 →