Communication and Media Studies at CUNY Graduate School and University Center

New York, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
62
Optimistic
61
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $57,782/yr (64% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 18.3x earnings multiple (8.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #4 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

Your strong earnings potential from this program is a direct result of its location at the epicenter of the global media, publishing, and nonprofit worlds. A CUNY Graduate Center degree isn't just a credential; it's an access pass to New York City's unparalleled professional ecosystem. You'll be studying media theory and practice while being immersed in the very industries you're analyzing, with opportunities to intern and network at top-tier PR firms, major cultural institutions, and global NGOs. This program's academic rigor, combined with its public university value, prepares you for sophisticated roles that require critical thinking, not just technical skill. To truly capitalize on this, your most important task is to aggressively build your professional network from day one; leverage your professors' connections and attend every industry event you can, turning your academic journey into a strategic career launch.

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 $551K $543K $497K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.6x 18.3x 16.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.0x 8.8x 8.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 62 61 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,640
Out-of-state: $61,440 (8.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,901
2.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,361
6% growth from Year 1

About CUNY Graduate School and University Center

CUNY Graduate School and University Center admits 39% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a compact campus enrolling 3,067 students in New York, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at CUNY Graduate School and University Center →

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

Compare Communication and Media Studies

Other Majors at CUNY Graduate School and University Center

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 CUNY Graduate School and University Center's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 61/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies graduates.
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 does CUNY Graduate School and University Center rank so high for Communication and Media Studies?
The #4 ranking out of 613 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →