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Communication and Media Studies at University of La Verne

La Verne, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,305/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #514 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 $620K $604K $541K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$188,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,700
43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,655
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,241
109% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,305/yr fall 17% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 3.2x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 13% 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 $22,655 against $29,305/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #514 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places University of La Verne in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $29,305-to-$61,241 earnings arc over five years reflects a 109% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of La Verne

With a 48% acceptance rate, University of La Verne is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 3,341 in La Verne, CA. With 48% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $107,700 over four years — 43% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of La Verne →

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 University of La Verne

Accounting and Related Services ($58,985) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($57,154) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($52,160) Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) ($49,004) Sociology ($35,403) Criminology ($34,292) Radio, Television, and Digital Communication ($33,773) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($27,616)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of La Verne?
At 26/100, 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 University of La Verne?
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.
Is University of La Verne a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of La Verne's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →