Communication and Media Studies at Claflin University

Orangeburg, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,156/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 7.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #584 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 7.2x 7.2x 6.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$68,184
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$84,928
-25% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,000
15.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,925
81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $23,156 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Claflin University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 7.2x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

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

The $30,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $23,156 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #584 out of 613 programs, Claflin University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $23,156 to $41,925 over five years (81% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Claflin University

With 73% of applicants admitted, Claflin University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,727 students in Orangeburg, SC. 73% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Claflin 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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Claflin University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does Claflin University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Claflin University Communication and Media Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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.
Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Claflin University?
Lower starting pay at Claflin University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →