Communication and Media Studies at Baldwin Wallace University

Berea, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,501/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #591 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 $492K $492K $460K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$151,752
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$110,616
27% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,658
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,501 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Baldwin Wallace University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 3.2x 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 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 11 months of the $29,501 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #591 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Baldwin Wallace University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $44,658 show a 51% jump from the $29,501 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Baldwin Wallace University

With 77% of applicants admitted, Baldwin Wallace University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 2,775 in Berea, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Baldwin Wallace 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

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Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Baldwin Wallace University?
A score of 21/100 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 $460,396 in decade earnings vs $492,145 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Baldwin Wallace University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →