Communication and Media Studies at Emerson College

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,108/yr (25% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #317 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 $577K $566K $514K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$221,568
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$187,064
16% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,717
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,654
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Emerson College Communication and Media Studies graduates command $44,108/yr out of the gate, well above the $35,147 national median. That 25% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

An earnings multiple of 2.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,717 debt-to-$44,108 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #317 out of 613 programs, Emerson College's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,108 to $62,654 shows 42% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Emerson College

Emerson College's 47% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 4,145 in Boston, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Emerson 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 Emerson College

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

How does Emerson College's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 35/100 — 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 →