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Communication and Media Studies at Concordia University-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,162/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.5x earnings multiple

Ranked #332 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	$592K	$579K	$523K
Earnings Multiple	3.6x	3.5x	3.2x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	34	34	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$165,560

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$112,184

32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,848

8.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$61,593

70% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $36,162/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Concordia University-Irvine land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 3.5x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,848 against $36,162/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #332 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Concordia University-Irvine in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $36,162-to-$61,593 earnings arc over five years reflects a 70% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Concordia University-Irvine

Concordia University-Irvine accepts 60% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 1,456 students in Irvine, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $112,184 over four years — 32% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Concordia University-Irvine →

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 Concordia University-Irvine

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

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Concordia University-Irvine?

At 34/100, 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 Concordia University-Irvine?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →