Communication and Media Studies at Ashford University

San Diego, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings $58,089/yr (65% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 10.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #98 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 $573K $562K $511K
Earnings Multiple 10.9x 10.7x 9.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 40
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,640
Median Debt at Graduation
$33,341
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,261
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

Ashford University Communication and Media Studies graduates command $58,089/yr out of the gate, well above the $35,147 national median. That 65% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 10.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $33,341 represents roughly 7 months of the $58,089 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #98 of 613 nationally, this is a top-5% Communication and Media Studies program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

About Ashford University

one of the larger campuses at 23,734 students in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Ashford 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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Ashford University?
A score of 47/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $510,922 in decade earnings vs $572,588 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Ashford University's Communication and Media Studies program stand out?
Ranked #98 of 613 programs nationally, Ashford University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →