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Communication and Media Studies at Adelphi University

Garden City, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
16
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,178/yr (-54% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #610 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 $653K $632K $561K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 16 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$189,160
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$113,392
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
14.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,133
222% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $16,178 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Adelphi University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

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 14% 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 a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #610 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Adelphi University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $16,178-to-$52,133 earnings arc over five years reflects a 222% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Adelphi University

With 78% of applicants admitted, Adelphi University prioritizes broad access, serving 5,077 students in Garden City, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $113,392 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Adelphi 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

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 Adelphi University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($102,136) Finance and Financial Management Services ($49,517) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($44,495) Marketing ($42,200) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($35,814) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($34,240) Biology, General ($30,101) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($29,816)

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 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Adelphi University?
At 16/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Communication and Media Studies degree from Adelphi University?
At $19,500 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Adelphi University?
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 Adelphi University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Adelphi University'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 →