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Communication and Media Studies at Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $46,677/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #173 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 $640K $621K $553K
Earnings Multiple 2.8x 2.8x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$225,440
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$185,096
18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,919
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,991
56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Fairfield University Communication and Media Studies graduates command $46,677/yr out of the gate, well above the $35,147 national median. That 33% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 2.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 14% 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 $26,919 against $46,677/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #173 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Fairfield University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $46,677-to-$72,991 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Fairfield University

Fairfield University's 45% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,938 students in Fairfield, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Fairfield 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

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 Fairfield University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($91,418) Economics ($74,023) Accounting and Related Services ($71,747) Finance and Financial Management Services ($62,952) Mechanical Engineering ($62,846) Marketing ($53,891) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($50,558) International Relations and National Security Studies ($49,239)

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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Fairfield University?
At 42/100, 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 Fairfield 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →