Communication and Media Studies at Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,507/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 6.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #311 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 $473K $475K $448K
Earnings Multiple 6.8x 6.8x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 35 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$69,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,969
14% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Grand Canyon University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $38,507/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 6.8x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$38,507 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #311 out of 613 programs, Grand Canyon University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $38,507 to $43,969 over five years (14% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University's 60% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 68,619 students in Phoenix, AZ. With 43% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon 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 Grand Canyon University'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 →