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Communication and Media Studies at Villanova University

Villanova, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $52,294/yr (49% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #183 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	$637K	$618K	$552K
Earnings Multiple	2.5x	2.4x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	43	42	35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$258,804

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$179,504

31% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,228

6.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$74,641

43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $52,294 put Villanova University's Communication and Media Studies program 49% above the national median of $35,147 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,228 debt-to-$52,294 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #183 out of 613 programs, Villanova University's Communication and Media Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $52,294 to $74,641 shows 43% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Villanova University

Villanova University accepts 25% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, enrolling 7,005 students in Villanova, PA. The average net cost of $179,504 over four years represents a 31% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Villanova 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

This program scores 42/100 — 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 →