Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Superior

Superior, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,371/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (7.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #104 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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 $498K $497K $464K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.7x 14.6x 13.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.6x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,948
Out-of-state: $65,600 (7.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,620
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,972
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,371 at University of Wisconsin-Superior come in 18% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $22,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $41,371 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #104 of 613 nationally, this is a top-5% Communication and Media Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $48,972 are relatively flat compared to the $41,371 starting salary — typical of fields with stable but capped salary bands.

About University of Wisconsin-Superior

University of Wisconsin-Superior accepts 94% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,899 students in Superior, WI.

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

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-Superior

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at University of Wisconsin-Superior?
A score of 47/100 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 $463,981 in decade earnings vs $497,851 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Wisconsin-Superior's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #104 of 613 programs nationally, University of Wisconsin-Superior lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →