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Communication and Media Studies at Western Oregon University

Monmouth, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,600/yr (7% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #74 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	$592K	$579K	$523K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.4x	13.1x	11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	4.7x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	49	49	41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$44,100

Out-of-state: $122,940 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,160

-66% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,654

6.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$62,300

66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $37,600 at Western Oregon University come in 7% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

With a 13.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 12% 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 $19,654 against $37,600/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Western Oregon University ranks #74 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $37,600-to-$62,300 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 3,211 students in Monmouth, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Oregon University →

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 Western Oregon University

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 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Western Oregon University?

At 49/100, 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 Western Oregon University?

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 Western Oregon University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Western Oregon University's #74 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 →