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Communication and Media Studies at Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,899/yr (-29% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 16.6x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #473 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	$442K	$449K	$429K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	16.4x	16.6x	15.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.4x	6.4x	6.2x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	28	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$26,940

Out-of-state: $69,564 (6.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$53,572

-99% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,782

12.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$35,446

42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Winston-Salem State University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $24,899/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 29%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 16.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% 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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #473 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Winston-Salem State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 42% earnings increase from $24,899 to $35,446 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem State University's 69% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,244 in Winston-Salem, NC. Pell Grant recipients make up 61% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Winston-Salem State 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 Winston-Salem State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Winston-Salem State University?

At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Communication and Media Studies degree from Winston-Salem State University?

At $26,782 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Winston-Salem State 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 Winston-Salem State University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Winston-Salem State University'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 →