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Communication and Media Studies at University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,330/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #344 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 $479K $481K $452K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.3x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 35 34 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$147,320
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$100,560
32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,803
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $40,330 at University of Northwestern-St Paul come in 15% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 6% 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.

With first-year pay of $40,330 far exceeding the $18,803 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #344 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places University of Northwestern-St Paul in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Northwestern-St Paul

University of Northwestern-St Paul accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,495 students in Saint Paul, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $100,560 — 32% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Northwestern-St Paul →

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 Northwestern-St Paul

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,121) Engineering, General ($68,516) Accounting and Related Services ($62,603) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($54,588) Marketing ($51,013) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($41,278) Bible/Biblical Studies ($41,123) Radio, Television, and Digital Communication ($40,361)

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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Northwestern-St Paul?
At 34/100, 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 Northwestern-St Paul?
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 →