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Communication and Media Studies at Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,221/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #569 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 $415K $425K $412K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.1x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$138,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,644
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,235
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$30,963
10% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Carson-Newman University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $28,221/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 20%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 3.1x 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 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,235 debt-to-$28,221 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #569 out of 613 programs, Carson-Newman University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Carson-Newman University

Carson-Newman University's 68% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 1,374 students in Jefferson City, TN. The average net cost of $74,644 over four years represents a 46% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($56,509) Special Education and Teaching ($44,404) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($43,685) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($42,904) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($42,222) Psychology, General ($28,217) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($25,972)

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 Carson-Newman University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 23/100 — 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 are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Carson-Newman University?
Lower starting pay at Carson-Newman 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 →