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Communication and Media Studies at Brown University

Providence, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,738/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 1.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #542 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 $391K $404K $397K
Earnings Multiple 1.4x 1.5x 1.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,920
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$106,288
61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,000
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $23,738 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Brown University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 1.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The -1% 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.

The median debt load of $10,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #542 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Brown University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Brown University

With just 5% of applicants admitted, Brown University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 7,273 in Providence, RI. The average net cost of $106,288 over four years represents a 61% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Brown 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

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 Brown University

Computer Science ($151,065) Applied Mathematics ($99,193) Engineering, General ($86,416) Public Health ($75,909) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($74,180) Economics ($72,064) Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations ($67,900) Public Policy Analysis ($58,161)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Brown University?
At 25/100, 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 Brown University?
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.
Is Brown University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Brown University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for Communication and Media Studies at Brown University?
The 61% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $272,920. At a net cost of $106,288, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →