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Communication and Media Studies at University of Wyoming

Laramie, WY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,547/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 17.7x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #310 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	$490K	$490K	$459K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	17.7x	17.7x	16.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.4x	5.4x	5.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	36	36	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$27,752

Out-of-state: $90,872 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$47,116

-70% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$11,750

4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$43,985

54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,547 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Wyoming earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 17.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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.

The median debt load of $11,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #310 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places University of Wyoming in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $28,547-to-$43,985 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Wyoming

With 97% of applicants admitted, University of Wyoming prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,047 in Laramie, WY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wyoming →

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 Wyoming

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Wyoming?

At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at University of Wyoming?

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 Wyoming a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Wyoming's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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