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Communication and Media Studies at Gallaudet University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,747/yr (-27% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 5.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #547 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	$402K	$413K	$404K
Earnings Multiple	5.5x	5.6x	5.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	24	20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$73,528

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,340

23% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,021

12.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $25,747 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Gallaudet University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 5.6x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the -0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,021 debt load exceeds a year of the $25,747 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #547 out of 613 programs, Gallaudet University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 879 students in Washington, DC. Pell Grant recipients make up 54% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Gallaudet 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 Gallaudet University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Gallaudet University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Gallaudet 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 Gallaudet University?

Lower starting pay at Gallaudet 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 →