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Communication and Media Studies at Aquinas College

Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,817/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #549 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 $509K $507K $471K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.3x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$154,080
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,608
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,457
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,014
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Aquinas College's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $31,817/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 7% 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 $20,457 against $31,817/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #549 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Aquinas College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,817-to-$48,014 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Aquinas College

A 71% acceptance rate means Aquinas College is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,201 in Grand Rapids, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $75,608 — 51% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Aquinas College →

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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Aquinas College

Accounting and Related Services ($63,311) Business/Corporate Communications ($49,378) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,713) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,913) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($33,555) Psychology, General ($31,789) Biology, General ($31,787) Sustainability Studies ($29,399)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Aquinas College?
At 24/100, 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 Aquinas College?
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.
What do students actually pay for Communication and Media Studies at Aquinas College?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $154,080. At a net cost of $75,608, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →