Communication and Media Studies at Franklin Pierce University

Rindge, NH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,899/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #595 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 $541K $535K $491K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.0x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 20 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$179,852
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,624
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,144
86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $26,899/yr fall 23% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 3.0x 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 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $26,899 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #595 out of 613 programs, Franklin Pierce University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $26,899 to $50,144 over five years (86% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Franklin Pierce University

Franklin Pierce University has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 1,055 students in Rindge, NH. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,624 — 40% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Franklin Pierce 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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Franklin Pierce University

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 Franklin Pierce University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 20/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Franklin Pierce University Communication and Media Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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.
Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Franklin Pierce University?
Lower starting pay at Franklin Pierce University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →