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Communication and Media Studies at Caldwell University

Caldwell, NJ · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
16
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,371/yr (-36% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #609 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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 $500K $499K $466K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.2x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 16 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$157,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$84,752
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
13.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,408
90% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $22,371 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Caldwell University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $22,371 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #609 out of 613 programs, Caldwell University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $22,371 to $42,408 over five years (90% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Caldwell University

Caldwell University accepts 65% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a smaller student body of 1,437 in Caldwell, NJ. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $84,752 — 46% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Caldwell 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 Caldwell University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($88,550) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($48,946) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($31,248) Psychology, General ($24,239) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($22,939)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Caldwell University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 16/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Caldwell University Communication and Media Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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 are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Caldwell University?
Lower starting pay at Caldwell University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →