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Communication and Media Studies at Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,858/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #517 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	$522K	$518K	$479K
Earnings Multiple	2.8x	2.7x	2.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$188,720

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,348

50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,853

8.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,043

46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Bellarmine University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $34,858/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,853 debt-to-$34,858 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #517 out of 613 programs, Bellarmine University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $34,858 to $51,043 shows 46% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Bellarmine University

A 94% acceptance rate means Bellarmine University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 2,286 in Louisville, KY. The average net cost of $94,348 over four years represents a 50% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bellarmine 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 Bellarmine University

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 Bellarmine University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 26/100 — 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 Bellarmine University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $188,720, but the average net cost is $94,348 — a 50% 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 →