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Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $40,673/yr (16% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 16.4x earnings multiple (8.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #32 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 5%

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	$547K	$540K	$495K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.6x	16.4x	15.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.5x	8.4x	7.7x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	52	52	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,848

Out-of-state: $64,500 (8.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,044

-80% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

7.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,851

40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,673 at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh come in 16% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

With a 16.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% 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.

At $26,000 against $40,673/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ranks #32 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 40% earnings increase from $40,673 to $56,851 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 7,613 students in Oshkosh, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh →

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 Wisconsin-Oshkosh

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 52/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?

At 52/100, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's Communication and Media Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh?

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 Wisconsin-Oshkosh one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's #32 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 →