Communication and Media Studiesat Boston University
Graduates earn $47,349/yr in their first year — about 35.0% above the national Communication and Media Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $691K; scenarios range from $604K to $721K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Boston University
While the raw earnings are strong, the real value of a BU Communication degree comes from the university's powerful brand and its location in a major corporate hub. You're not just studying theory; you're immersed in a network of ambitious peers at a top-tier research institution. This reputation opens doors to competitive internships and full-time roles not just in traditional media, but in Boston’s thriving tech, healthcare, and finance sectors, which all need skilled storytellers. The high AI risk score reflects how roles like content creation are changing, but your BU education should equip you to manage strategy, not just execute tasks. Your key advantage is that network. Start building relationships with professors and alumni from day one; it will be your most valuable asset in navigating a competitive job market.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Boston University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Communication and Media Studies
How Boston University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Boston University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Boston University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication and Media Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Communication and Media Studies at Boston University
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.