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Communication and Media Studies at Meredith College

Raleigh, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,157/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #471 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 $539K $533K $490K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.0x 2.8x
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)
$175,744
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$80,788
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,649
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,157 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

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 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 $27,000 against $35,157/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #471 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Meredith College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,157-to-$53,649 earnings arc over five years reflects a 53% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Meredith College

Meredith College has a 75% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 1,288 students in Raleigh, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $80,788 over four years — 54% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Meredith 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 Meredith College

Human Resources Management and Services ($50,635) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,955) Marketing ($45,883) Biology, General ($43,182) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($40,762) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($38,525) Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations ($37,787) Design and Applied Arts ($36,357)

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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Meredith College?
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 Meredith 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.
What do students actually pay for Communication and Media Studies at Meredith College?
The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $175,744. At a net cost of $80,788, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →