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Communication and Media Studies at Berea College

Berea, KY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $30,663/yr (-13% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #588 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	$493K	$493K	$461K
Earnings Multiple	2.5x	2.5x	2.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	21	21	15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$197,304

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$17,932

91% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,220

47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Berea College's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $30,663/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.5x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #588 out of 613 programs, Berea College's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $30,663 to $45,220 shows 47% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Berea College

Admission to Berea College is competitive, with 33% of applicants accepted, a smaller institution with 1,472 students in Berea, KY. Pell Grant recipients make up 81% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $17,932 over four years represents a 91% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Berea 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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Berea College

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Berea College's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

How affordable is Communication and Media Studies at Berea College after financial aid?

Sticker price is $197,304, but the average net cost is $17,932 — a 91% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →