Communication and Media Studiesat Cornell University
Graduates earn $62,182/yr in their first year — about 77.0% above the national Communication and Media Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $685K; scenarios range from $600K to $714K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Cornell University
While the career paths listed are common for this major, they don't capture the full picture of a Cornell degree's power. Your high earnings potential isn't just about studying communication; it's about the university's "halo effect." You'll be competing for roles in management consulting, tech, and finance alongside business majors, because top-tier firms like Deloitte, Google, and J.P. Morgan recruit heavily on campus looking for sharp, articulate thinkers, regardless of major. The powerful Cornell alumni network creates a direct pipeline into these competitive New York City industries. The high AI risk score reflects a threat to routine writing and content creation, but your education is geared toward strategy and leadership. To maximize your advantage, actively pursue internships in high-growth sectors outside of traditional media; your Cornell credential opens those doors.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Cornell University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Communication and Media Studies
How Cornell University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Cornell University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Cornell University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication and Media Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Communication and Media Studies at Cornell University
What does a 50/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Cornell University?
At 50/100, Cornell University's Communication and Media Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Cornell 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.
What do students actually pay for Communication and Media Studies at Cornell University?
The 51% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $264,056. At a net cost of $129,348, the earnings multiple improves substantially.