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Communication and Media Studies at Catawba College

Salisbury, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,323/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #503 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 $436K $444K $425K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.3x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$133,600
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,840
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,625
9.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,323/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 3% 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 $24,625 against $32,323/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #503 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Catawba College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Catawba College

Catawba College accepts 78% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,127 in Salisbury, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $72,840 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Catawba 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

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 Catawba College

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($70,522) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($46,068) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($38,071) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($27,389) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($27,305) Music ($23,577)

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 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Catawba College?
At 27/100, 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 Catawba College?
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 →