Communication and Media Studies at Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,495/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #560 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 2.7x 2.6x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$206,864
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,784
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,000
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,354
73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,495/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Loyola University Chicago land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

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 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $23,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $31,495 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #560 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Loyola University Chicago falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $54,354 show a 73% jump from the $31,495 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Loyola University Chicago

With 81% of applicants admitted, Loyola University Chicago prioritizes broad access, serving 11,576 students in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $140,784 over four years represents a 32% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Loyola University Chicago →

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Loyola University Chicago?
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 $499,828 in decade earnings vs $554,919 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →