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Communication and Media Studies at Eastern University

Saint Davids, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,732/yr (-27% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #605 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	$492K	$492K	$460K
Earnings Multiple	3.3x	3.3x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	19	18	15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$149,680

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$103,540

31% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,000

11.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$43,059

67% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,732 place Eastern University below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$25,732 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #605 out of 613 programs, Eastern University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $25,732 to $43,059 over five years (67% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Eastern University

Eastern University accepts 94% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,978 in Saint Davids, PA. The average net cost of $103,540 over four years represents a 31% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Eastern 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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Eastern University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Eastern University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

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 are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Eastern University?

Lower starting pay at Eastern University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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