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Communication and Media Studies at Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,443/yr (4% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #485 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	$532K	$527K	$485K
Earnings Multiple	2.7x	2.7x	2.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	28	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$194,800

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$116,948

40% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,000

6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,089

46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $36,443/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Marquette University land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

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 9% 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 $20,000 against $36,443/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #485 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Marquette University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 46% earnings increase from $36,443 to $53,089 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Marquette University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Marquette University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 7,238 students in Milwaukee, WI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $116,948 — 40% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Marquette 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 Marquette 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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Marquette University?

At 28/100, 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 Marquette 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.

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