Communication and Media Studies at Canisius University

Buffalo, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,264/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #416 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 $528K $523K $483K
Earnings Multiple 4.0x 4.0x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$130,880
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,288
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,788
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,088
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,264 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 4.0x 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 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,788 debt-to-$35,264 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #416 out of 613 programs, Canisius University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $35,264 to $52,088 shows 48% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Canisius University

Canisius University has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 1,768 students in Buffalo, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $73,288 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Canisius 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Canisius University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 31/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →