Communication and Media Studies at Aquinas College
Grand Rapids, MI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$31,817/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
3.3x earnings multiple
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 | $509K | $507K | $471K |
| Earnings Multiple | 3.3x | 3.3x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 25 | 24 | 18 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$154,080
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,457
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,014
51% growth from Year 1
About Aquinas College
A 71% acceptance rate means Aquinas College is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,201 in Grand Rapids, MI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $75,608 — 51% less than the list price.
See all programs and financial aid at Aquinas College →Top Career Paths
Public relations managers
$138,520/yr
Fundraising managers
$123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Aquinas 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 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Aquinas College?
At 24/100, 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 Aquinas 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 Aquinas College?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $154,080. At a net cost of $75,608, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →