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Communication and Media Studies at University of Dayton

Dayton, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,629/yr (21% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #211 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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	$642K	$623K	$555K
Earnings Multiple	3.4x	3.3x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	42	41	34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$190,400

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$124,944

34% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$71,532

68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $42,629 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Dayton earn slightly above the $35,147 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

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 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$42,629 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #211 out of 613 programs, University of Dayton's Communication and Media Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $42,629 to $71,532 over five years (68% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Dayton

University of Dayton accepts 62% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, enrolling 8,099 students in Dayton, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $124,944 over four years — 34% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Dayton →

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 University of Dayton

Consider the Trade Route?

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

How does University of Dayton's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 41/100 — 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 →