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Communication and Media Studies at Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,423/yr (18% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #389 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 $507K $505K $470K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.0x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$166,512
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$84,252
49% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,554
22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,423 at Elmhurst University come in 18% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

At 3.0x 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 #389 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Elmhurst University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 22% earnings increase from $41,423 to $50,554 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 2,954 in Elmhurst, IL. The average net cost of $84,252 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,820) Computer Science ($72,910) Accounting and Related Services ($59,734) Finance and Financial Management Services ($57,171) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($49,771) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,105) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($46,789) Marketing ($40,074)

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 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Elmhurst University?
At 32/100, 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 Elmhurst 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 →