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Communication and Media Studies at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,349/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #122 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 $721K $691K $604K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.7x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,984
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,361
78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $47,349 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Boston University significantly outpace the $35,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

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 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $23,250 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #122 out of 613 programs, Boston University's Communication and Media Studies program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $47,349 to $84,361 over five years (78% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Boston University

With just 11% of applicants admitted, Boston University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, serving 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston 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 Boston University

Computer Engineering ($93,995) Computer Science ($90,050) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,528) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($77,660) Mechanical Engineering ($76,337) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($71,545) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,209) Mathematics ($64,604)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Boston University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 45/100 — 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.
Why does Boston University rank so high for Communication and Media Studies?
The #122 ranking out of 613 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
How affordable is Communication and Media Studies at Boston University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $260,672, but the average net cost is $107,984 — a 59% 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 →