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%

Program Analysis

Denison's liberal arts approach to communication means you're learning theory and critical thinking, not just vocational skills. This prepares you for roles that require strategy and sophisticated writing, which is why graduates often bypass entry-level content jobs and move into managing PR, development, or corporate messaging. While Granville isn't a media hub, the university's strong reputation and deep alumni network create a powerful recruiting pipeline into Columbus's corporate headquarters and major firms across the Midwest. You won't just learn how to write a press release; you'll learn how to craft a campaign, analyze its impact, and lead a team. To maximize this advantage, you must aggressively pursue internships during your summers. Use the alumni network to land a position in a major city, as that real-world experience, combined with your Denison credentials, will be your most valuable asset upon graduation.

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

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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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 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 →