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Communication and Media Studies at Hood College

Frederick, MD · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
15
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,422/yr (-42% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #612 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 $555K $547K $500K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.0x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 15 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$183,480
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,828
48% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,421
132% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $20,422/yr fall 42% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% 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.

A #612 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Hood College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $20,422-to-$47,421 earnings arc over five years reflects a 132% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Hood College

Hood College has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,202 in Frederick, MD. The average net cost of $94,828 over four years represents a 48% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Hood College →

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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Hood College

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($78,873) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($47,694) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($41,764) Social Work ($32,805) Psychology, General ($23,358)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Hood College?
At 15/100, 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 Hood College?
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.
Is Hood College a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Hood College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →