Communication and Media Studies at John Carroll University

University Heights, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,072/yr (17% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #349 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 $565K $556K $506K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$196,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$114,468
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,845
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $41,072/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The financial case is thin at 2.8x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $41,072 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #349 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, John Carroll University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $41,072 to $59,845 over five years — a 46% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About John Carroll University

John Carroll University has a 81% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 2,228 in University Heights, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $114,468 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at John Carroll 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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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at John Carroll University?
A score of 34/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $506,440 in decade earnings vs $565,451 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →