Communication and Media Studies at Elon University

Elon, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,637/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #113 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Elon’s impressive earning potential isn’t an accident; it’s a direct result of the program’s structure and location. You're not just studying theory here. The School of Communications is known for its intense, hands-on approach, pushing you into internships and student-run agencies from day one. This builds a professional portfolio before you even graduate. Proximity to the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham) provides a rich pipeline into corporate communications, public relations, and marketing roles at major tech and healthcare firms that simply don't exist in more isolated college towns. These are competitive, high-paying sectors that value practical experience. Your key to success will be leveraging Elon’s required internship program to land a placement at a well-known company in the Triangle—that experience is what transforms your degree into a high-powered career launchpad.

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 $642K $622K $554K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.5x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$178,144
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,192
8% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,999
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,002
52% growth from Year 1

About Elon University

A 67% admission rate makes Elon University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a mid-sized student body of 6,402 in Elon, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Elon 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 Elon University

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

What does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Elon University?
At 46/100, 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 Elon University?
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.
Is Elon University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Elon University's #113 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →