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Communication and Media Studies at Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $55,162/yr (57% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #110 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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	$675K	$651K	$575K
Earnings Multiple	2.5x	2.4x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	47	46	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$270,720

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$159,464

41% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,000

3.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$81,317

47% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $55,162 put Boston College's Communication and Media Studies program 57% above the national median of $35,147 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% 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.

With first-year pay of $55,162 far exceeding the $18,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Boston College ranks #110 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 47% earnings increase from $55,162 to $81,317 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Boston College

Boston College accepts 16% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, enrolling 9,865 students in Chestnut Hill, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $159,464 — 41% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston 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 Boston 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

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Boston College?

At 46/100, 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 Boston College?

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 Boston College one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?

Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Boston College's #110 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →