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Communication and Media Studies at Hamline University

Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,201/yr (20% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #394 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	$520K	$516K	$478K
Earnings Multiple	2.7x	2.7x	2.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	33	32	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$193,244

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,540

56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,672

7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$52,859

25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,201 at Hamline University come in 20% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

At 2.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,672 against $42,201/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #394 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Hamline University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 25% earnings increase from $42,201 to $52,859 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Hamline University

Hamline University accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,685 students in Saint Paul, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $85,540 — 56% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Hamline 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 Hamline University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Hamline University?

At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Hamline University?

The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

What do students actually pay for Communication and Media Studies at Hamline University?

The 56% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $193,244. At a net cost of $85,540, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →