Communication and Media Studies at Bryant University

Smithfield, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
41 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,071/yr (28% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #213 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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 $620K $603K $541K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 41 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$204,676
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$163,384
20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$69,424
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Bryant University Communication and Media Studies graduates command $45,071/yr out of the gate, well above the $35,147 national median. That 28% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The financial case is thin at 2.9x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 13% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 7 months of the $45,071 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #213 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Bryant University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $69,424 show a 54% jump from the $45,071 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Bryant University

Bryant University's 66% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 3,236 in Smithfield, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at Bryant 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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Bryant University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Bryant University?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $540,632 in decade earnings vs $619,889 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →