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Communication and Media Studies at Elon University

Elon, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,637/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #113 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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 $642K $622K $554K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.5x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$178,144
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,192
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,999
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,002
52% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $48,637 put Elon University's Communication and Media Studies program 38% above the national median of $35,147 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 3.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 14% 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.

With first-year pay of $48,637 far exceeding the $21,999 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Elon University ranks #113 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $48,637-to-$74,002 earnings arc over five years reflects a 52% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Elon University

A 67% admission rate makes Elon University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a mid-sized student body of 6,402 in Elon, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Elon 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 Elon University

Computer Programming ($79,819) Accounting and Related Services ($69,764) Economics ($69,298) Finance and Financial Management Services ($66,614) Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations ($62,626) Marketing ($55,893) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,095) Community Organization and Advocacy ($42,795)

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

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Elon University?
At 46/100, 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 Elon 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.
Is Elon University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Elon University's #113 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →