Communication and Media Studies at New Jersey City University

Jersey City, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $13,796/yr (-61% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 8.5x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #604 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 $475K $478K $450K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.5x 8.5x 8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.8x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$55,884
Out-of-state: $99,552 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,928
16% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,750
12.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,497
143% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $13,796 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from New Jersey City University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.5x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 5% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $14,750 against $13,796/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.1 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #604 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, New Jersey City University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $33,497 show a 143% jump from the $13,796 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About New Jersey City University

With 89% of applicants admitted, New Jersey City University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 4,076 students in Jersey City, NJ. With 52% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at New Jersey City 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 New Jersey City University

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 New Jersey City University?
A score of 18/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Communication and Media Studies at New Jersey City University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $14,750 against $13,796/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
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 $449,802 in decade earnings vs $475,276 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from New Jersey City University?
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 →