Communication and Media Studies at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Charlotte, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,062/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #575 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 $414K $424K $411K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$161,632
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$115,604
28% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,786
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $28,062 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The financial case is thin at 2.6x — 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 1% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,786 represents roughly 10 months of the $28,062 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #575 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

With 75% of applicants admitted, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,126 in Charlotte, NC. Pell Grant recipients make up 52% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte →

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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?
A score of 23/100 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 $411,237 in decade earnings vs $413,880 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →