Home › Elizabethtown College › Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies at Elizabethtown College

Elizabethtown, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,003/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #476 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 $570K $560K $509K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.8x 3.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$147,368
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$104,792
29% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
10.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,121
81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $31,003/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Elizabethtown College land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 3.8x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,000 against $31,003/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #476 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Elizabethtown College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $31,003-to-$56,121 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Elizabethtown College

With 77% of applicants admitted, Elizabethtown College prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,815 students in Elizabethtown, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Elizabethtown College →

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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Elizabethtown College

Health and Medical Administrative Services ($85,329) Engineering, General ($73,003) Accounting and Related Services ($61,602) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($58,707) Information Science/Studies ($56,789) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($50,918) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($50,725) Biology, General ($36,891)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Elizabethtown College?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Elizabethtown College?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →