Communication & Media Studies at Boise State University

Boise, ID · Public · Certificate · Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other

A 84% acceptance rate means Boise State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 17,081 students in Boise, ID.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,060/yr, roughly in line with the $40,671 national median for Communication & Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 69.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication & Media Studies programs nationally.

The 37% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 65% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Communication & Media Studies graduates.

Median debt of $21,641 represents roughly 6 months of the $40,060 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

This program is one of 2 schools offering Communication & Media Studies in our dataset — a specialized trade with limited comparison points.

Five-year earnings of $60,768 show a 52% jump from the $40,060 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
55
Score
60
High End
Earnings $40,060/yr (-2% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (35% shielded)
Job Market Medium (25,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$669K
11.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
76.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$8,782
Out-of-state: $26,976
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,641
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,768
52% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Communication & Media Studies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800 +2.1% 57%
Editors $75,260 +0.6% 35%
Writers and authors $72,270 +3.6% 11%
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800
+2.1% growth 57% AI-proof
Editors
$75,260
+0.6% growth 35% AI-proof
Writers and authors
$72,270
+3.6% growth 11% AI-proof

Communication & Media Studies Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Communication & Media Studies careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Communication & Media Studies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Communication & Media Studies Overview

Communication & Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Boise State University

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Boise State University's Communication & Media Studies program score?
A score of 55/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Communication & Media Studies field.
How vulnerable is Communication & Media Studies to AI automation?
The 65% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Boise State University graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →