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Communication and Media Studies at Trinity University

San Antonio, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,589/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #511 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 $556K $548K $501K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$205,408
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,600
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,392
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,952
62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,589/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 2.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 10% 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 $25,392 against $34,589/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #511 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Trinity University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,589-to-$55,952 earnings arc over five years reflects a 62% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Trinity University

Trinity University accepts 28% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a compact campus enrolling 2,518 students in San Antonio, TX. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $94,600 — 54% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Trinity 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 Trinity University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($77,311) Engineering Science ($74,063) Economics ($57,482) Marketing ($55,928) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($55,887) Political Science and Government ($27,601) English Language and Literature, General ($25,216)

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

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Trinity University?
At 27/100, 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 Trinity 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 Trinity University?
The 54% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $205,408. At a net cost of $94,600, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →