Communication and Media Studies at Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,366/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #529 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 $551K $544K $497K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$174,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$79,192
55% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,375
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,787
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,366/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Azusa Pacific University land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 3.1x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

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 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $20,375 represents roughly 8 months of the $31,366 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #529 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Azusa Pacific University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $53,787 show a 71% jump from the $31,366 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Azusa Pacific University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Azusa Pacific University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 2,977 in Azusa, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $79,192 over four years — 55% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Azusa Pacific 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 Azusa Pacific 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Azusa Pacific University?
A score of 25/100 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 $497,476 in decade earnings vs $551,177 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Azusa Pacific University a hidden gem for Communication and Media Studies?
After financial aid, the average student pays $79,192 over four years — 55% below the $174,400 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →