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Communication and Media Studies at Monmouth University

West Long Branch, NJ · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,742/yr (-27% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #561 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	$634K	$616K	$550K
Earnings Multiple	3.5x	3.4x	3.1x
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)

$179,400

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$126,600

29% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

11.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$60,135

134% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Monmouth University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $25,742/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 27%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 3.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$25,742 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #561 out of 613 programs, Monmouth University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $25,742 to $60,135 over five years (134% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Monmouth University

A 90% acceptance rate means Monmouth University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 3,831 students in West Long Branch, NJ.

See all programs and financial aid at Monmouth 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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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

How does Monmouth University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Monmouth University?

Lower starting pay at Monmouth University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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