Home › Otterbein University › Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies at Otterbein University

Westerville, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,207/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #582 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 $454K $459K $436K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.3x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$139,596
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$88,560
37% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,136
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Otterbein University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $31,207/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

The 3.3x 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 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $18,500 debt-to-$31,207 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #582 out of 613 programs, Otterbein University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $31,207 to $39,136 shows 25% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Otterbein University

A 83% acceptance rate means Otterbein University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,055 students in Westerville, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $88,560 over four years — 37% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Otterbein 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

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 Otterbein University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($69,287) Systems Engineering ($63,243) Finance and Financial Management Services ($55,364) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,689) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($38,651) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($37,430) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($31,851) Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General ($30,581)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 Otterbein University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 22/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →