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Communication and Media Studies at Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,745/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #436 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 $504K $502K $468K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$231,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,820
45% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,076
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Clarkson University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $41,745/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 7% 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.

A #436 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Clarkson University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $41,745 to $50,076 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Clarkson University

A 77% acceptance rate means Clarkson University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,449 students in Potsdam, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,820 over four years — 45% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Clarkson 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 Clarkson University

Computer Engineering ($80,942) Computer Science ($79,744) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,940) Chemical Engineering ($75,887) Engineering-Related Fields ($74,407) Mechanical Engineering ($73,168) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($71,783) Civil Engineering ($70,136)

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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Clarkson University?
At 30/100, 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 Clarkson 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 →