Communication and Media Studies at Augustana College

Rock Island, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,806/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #314 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 $589K $577K $521K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,336
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$49,748
75% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,375
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,279
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,806/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 2.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,375 debt-to-$40,806 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #314 out of 613 programs, Augustana College's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $40,806 to $63,279 over five years (55% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Augustana College

With a 68% acceptance rate, Augustana College is moderately selective, a smaller institution with 2,418 students in Rock Island, IL. The average net cost of $49,748 over four years represents a 75% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Augustana 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 Augustana 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

How does Augustana College's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Communication and Media Studies at Augustana College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $199,336, but the average net cost is $49,748 — a 75% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →