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Communication and Media Studies at Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $37,799/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #426 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	$465K	$469K	$444K
Earnings Multiple	2.2x	2.2x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	31	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$214,000

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$145,484

32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,875

6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Gonzaga University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $37,799/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 2.2x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,875 debt-to-$37,799 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #426 out of 613 programs, Gonzaga University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Gonzaga University

A 76% acceptance rate means Gonzaga University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 5,098 in Spokane, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $145,484 — 32% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Gonzaga 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

This program scores 31/100 — 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 →