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Communication and Media Studies at Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,260/yr (-8% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.6x earnings multiple

Ranked #484 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	$569K	$559K	$509K
Earnings Multiple	3.7x	3.6x	3.3x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	28	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$155,256

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$99,280

36% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,137

9.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$56,672

76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Seattle Pacific University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $32,260/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 11% 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 $25,137 against $32,260/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #484 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Seattle Pacific University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $32,260-to-$56,672 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Seattle Pacific University

A 91% acceptance rate means Seattle Pacific University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,073 students in Seattle, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $99,280 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Seattle Pacific 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 Seattle Pacific University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 Seattle Pacific University?

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 Seattle Pacific 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 →