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Communication and Media Studies at Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,472/yr (-10% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #522 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	$432K	$440K	$423K
Earnings Multiple	2.2x	2.3x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$193,072

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,652

51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,500

8.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,472 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

An earnings multiple of 2.3x 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 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,500 debt-to-$31,472 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #522 out of 613 programs, Willamette University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Willamette University

Willamette University has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,525 in Salem, OR. The average net cost of $94,652 over four years represents a 51% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Willamette 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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Willamette University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This program scores 26/100 — 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.

How affordable is Communication and Media Studies at Willamette University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $193,072, but the average net cost is $94,652 — a 51% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →