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Communication and Media Studies at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $62,182/yr (77% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #50 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 10%

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	$714K	$685K	$600K
Earnings Multiple	2.7x	2.6x	2.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	51	50	44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$264,056

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$129,348

51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,400

2.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$89,715

44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $62,182 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Cornell University significantly outpace the $35,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

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 16% 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 $14,400 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #50 of 613 programs, this Communication and Media Studies program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 44% earnings increase from $62,182 to $89,715 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Cornell University

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Cornell University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving 15,935 students in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell 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 Cornell 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

What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Cornell University?

At 50/100, Cornell University's Communication and Media Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Cornell 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.

What do students actually pay for Communication and Media Studies at Cornell University?

The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →