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Communication and Media Studies at Bethel University

Saint Paul, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,019/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #363 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 $547K $540K $495K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$171,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$113,756
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,702
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,649
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Bethel University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $40,019/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 10% 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.

At $23,702 against $40,019/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #363 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Bethel University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 42% earnings increase from $40,019 to $56,649 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Bethel University

A 91% acceptance rate means Bethel University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 2,012 in Saint Paul, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $113,756 — 34% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Bethel 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 Bethel University

Human Resources Management and Services ($76,000) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($75,371) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($73,942) Accounting and Related Services ($65,587) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($55,704) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($45,361) Social Work ($45,259) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($43,639)

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 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Bethel University?
At 33/100, 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 Bethel 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →