Communication and Media Studies at Carson-Newman University
Jefferson City, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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
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
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,235
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$30,963
10% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Carson-Newman University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
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 →