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Communication and Media Studies at Edgewood College

Madison, WI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,950/yr (22% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #291 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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	$534K	$528K	$486K
Earnings Multiple	3.8x	3.8x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$139,400

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$102,536

26% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,500

6.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,401

29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Edgewood College's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $42,950/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 3.8x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 9% 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 $22,500 against $42,950/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #291 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Edgewood College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 29% earnings increase from $42,950 to $55,401 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Edgewood College

A 95% acceptance rate means Edgewood College is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,104 in Madison, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at Edgewood 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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Edgewood College

Consider the Trade Route?

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

What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Edgewood College?

At 37/100, 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 Edgewood 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 →