Communication and Media Studies at Denison University

Granville, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,396/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #305 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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 $583K $572K $518K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$256,000
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,444
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,696
37% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $47,396 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Denison University significantly outpace the $35,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The financial case is thin at 2.2x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 11% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 6 months of the $47,396 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #305 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Denison University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $47,396 to $64,696 over five years — a 37% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Denison University

A 17% acceptance rate puts Denison University in competitive admissions territory, with a smaller student body of 2,398 in Granville, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $152,444 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Denison 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Denison University?
A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $517,760 in decade earnings vs $583,471 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →