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Communication and Media Studies at Ashland University

Ashland, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,465/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #581 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 $400K $412K $403K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.6x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$115,640
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,976
24% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $25,465 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Ashland University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 3.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The -1% 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.

A #581 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Ashland University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Ashland University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Ashland University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,250 students in Ashland, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Ashland 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 Ashland University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,445) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($58,580) Accounting and Related Services ($55,407) Finance and Financial Management Services ($54,880) Marketing ($50,812) Business/Commerce, General ($50,262) Political Science and Government ($44,455) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($42,172)

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 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Ashland University?
At 22/100, 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 Ashland 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 Ashland University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Ashland 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 →