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Communication and Media Studies at California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,249/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #462 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 $533K $528K $486K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$105,732
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,802
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,593
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California Lutheran University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $37,249/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 9% 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.

At $20,802 against $37,249/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #462 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places California Lutheran University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 44% earnings increase from $37,249 to $53,593 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California Lutheran University

A 89% acceptance rate means California Lutheran University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,374 students in Thousand Oaks, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $105,732 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California Lutheran 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 California Lutheran University

Accounting and Related Services ($72,696) Computer Science ($68,398) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($57,276) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($55,234) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($43,122) Political Science and Government ($36,061) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($34,989) Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other ($34,432)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at California Lutheran University?
At 28/100, 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 California Lutheran 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →