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Communication and Media Studies at Allegheny College

Meadville, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,994/yr (-9% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #523 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	$613K	$597K	$536K
Earnings Multiple	2.8x	2.7x	2.4x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	26	20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$219,840

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$87,600

60% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

10.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$62,082

94% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,994 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.

At 2.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 13% 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 $27,000 against $31,994/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #523 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Allegheny College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,994-to-$62,082 earnings arc over five years reflects a 94% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Allegheny College

With a 59% acceptance rate, Allegheny College is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 1,209 in Meadville, PA. The average net cost of $87,600 over four years represents a 60% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Allegheny College →

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 Allegheny College

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

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Allegheny College?

At 26/100, 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 Allegheny College?

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.

What do students actually pay for Communication and Media Studies at Allegheny College?

The 60% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $219,840. At a net cost of $87,600, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

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