Communication and Media Studies at Arcadia University

Glenside, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
19
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,061/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #602 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 $548K $540K $495K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 19 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,160
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$103,464
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,035
89% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,061 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Arcadia University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The financial case is thin at 2.8x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 10% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 12 months of the $27,061 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #602 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Arcadia University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $51,035 show a 89% jump from the $27,061 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Arcadia University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Arcadia University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,799 students in Glenside, PA. The average net cost of $103,464 over four years represents a 46% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Arcadia 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 Arcadia University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Arcadia University?
A score of 19/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $495,186 in decade earnings vs $547,533 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Arcadia University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →