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Communication and Media Studies at Carthage College

Kenosha, WI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $33,580/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #427 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	$580K	$568K	$515K
Earnings Multiple	4.0x	3.9x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	32	31	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$146,000

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$99,252

32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,125

9.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$58,690

75% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,580/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 3.9x 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 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,125 debt-to-$33,580 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #427 out of 613 programs, Carthage College's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $33,580 to $58,690 over five years (75% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Carthage College

Carthage College accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 2,628 in Kenosha, WI. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $99,252 — 32% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Carthage College →

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 Carthage College

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

How does Carthage College'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 →