Communication and Media Studies at Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
38
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%

Program Analysis

A Boston College degree in Communication is less about the major itself and more about the power of the BC network. The strong earnings you see aren't just for traditional media roles; they reflect graduates landing in corporate communications, public relations, and marketing at Boston's many tech, finance, and biotech firms. Employers like Fidelity, HubSpot, and Wayfair value the critical thinking and writing skills honed here, but they're also hiring from a trusted talent pipeline. You’ll be competing with peers from the elite Carroll School of Management, which raises the bar for everyone. Your key move is to use your electives and internships to build a specific industry focus. Don't just be a "communications" major; become the communications expert for the healthcare industry or the go-to marketing mind for tech startups. That specialization is your ticket to leveraging the BC brand for a top-tier career.

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

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 →