Communication & Media Studies at Wisconsin Lutheran College

Milwaukee, WI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,511/yr (29% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #9 of 16 Communication & Journalism programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication & Media Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $501K $500K $464K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.6x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 39% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$140,320
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,260
39% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $44,511 per year, Communication & Media Studies graduates from Wisconsin Lutheran College significantly outpace the $34,532 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 3.6x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication & Media Studies's typical career paths, with 65% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #9 of 16 Communication & Media Studies programs, Wisconsin Lutheran College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Wisconsin Lutheran College

With 79% of applicants admitted, Wisconsin Lutheran College prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,009 students in Milwaukee, WI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $85,260 — 39% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Wisconsin Lutheran College →

Top Career Paths

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Communication & Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wisconsin Lutheran College

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication & Media Studies at Wisconsin Lutheran College?
A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication & Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication & Media Studies careers?
With 65% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $463,679 in decade earnings vs $500,785 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →