Communication and Media Studies at Centenary University

Hackettstown, NJ · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,274/yr (-51% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #603 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

Program Analysis

While the career paths listed for this major can be lucrative, the outcomes here reflect a challenging local job market. Hackettstown is not a major media or corporate hub, meaning the high-value internships and entry-level roles that build a communications career are often an hour or more away in the competitive New York City metro area. Without a strong, established recruiting pipeline into those markets, many graduates may be starting in smaller, local roles with nonprofit organizations or small businesses, which naturally command lower salaries. The program’s structure may also be more theoretical than applied, lacking the specialized focus—like digital marketing analytics or technical writing—that employers increasingly demand. Your key action item: rigorously investigate the university’s internship placement support. Ask admissions precisely where recent graduates have interned and which companies actively recruit on campus for these roles.

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 $357K $375K $375K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.5x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$150,928
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$76,148
50% less than sticker · See by income

About Centenary University

Centenary University has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 934 in Hackettstown, NJ. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $76,148 — 50% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Centenary 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

Other Majors at Centenary University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Centenary University?
At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Centenary University?
The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Centenary University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Centenary University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →