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Communication and Media Studies at Cornerstone University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,615/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #518 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 $427K $436K $420K
Earnings Multiple 3.7x 3.7x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$116,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$89,536
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Cornerstone University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $30,615/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

The 3.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,500 debt-to-$30,615 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #518 out of 613 programs, Cornerstone University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Cornerstone University

A 73% acceptance rate means Cornerstone University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,387 students in Grand Rapids, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornerstone 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 Cornerstone University

Business Administration, Management and Operations ($53,327) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,753) Marketing ($42,627) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($42,515) Theological and Ministerial Studies ($40,873) Psychology, General ($34,505) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($27,327)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cornerstone University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →