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Communication and Media Studies at Samford University

Birmingham, AL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,690/yr (13% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #328 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 3.1x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$152,576
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$123,180
19% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Samford University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $39,690/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 5% 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.

A #328 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Samford University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Samford University

A 82% acceptance rate means Samford University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 3,828 in Birmingham, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at Samford 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 Samford University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($64,226) Finance and Financial Management Services ($53,059) Marketing ($47,565) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,644) Design and Applied Arts ($41,323) Journalism ($30,311)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Samford University?
At 34/100, 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 Samford 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 →