Communication and Media Studies at St Lawrence University

Canton, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,414/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #418 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 $655K $634K $563K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.5x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$255,480
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$122,244
52% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,299
96% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

St Lawrence University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $35,414/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 14% 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 $25,000 against $35,414/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #418 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places St Lawrence University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $35,414-to-$69,299 earnings arc over five years reflects a 96% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About St Lawrence University

St Lawrence University's 58% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 2,040 in Canton, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $122,244 over four years — 52% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at St Lawrence 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 St Lawrence 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 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at St Lawrence University?
At 31/100, 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 St Lawrence 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.
What do students actually pay for Communication and Media Studies at St Lawrence University?
The 52% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $255,480. At a net cost of $122,244, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →