Communication and Media Studies at Belmont University

Nashville, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,889/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #254 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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 $597K $583K $526K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$165,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,384
22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,128
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,813
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $41,889 at Belmont University come in 19% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

The 3.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

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

With first-year pay of $41,889 far exceeding the $18,128 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #254 out of 613 programs, Belmont University's Communication and Media Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $41,889 to $64,813 over five years (55% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Belmont University

Belmont University accepts 96% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 7,306 students in Nashville, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at Belmont 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Belmont University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 39/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →