Communication and Media Studiesat Fairfield University
Graduates earn $46,677/yr in their first year — about 33.0% above the national Communication and Media Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $621K; scenarios range from $553K to $640K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Fairfield University
While a communications degree can be broad, Fairfield’s standout earnings are no accident. Your proximity to the New York City and Stamford, CT, media and corporate hubs is a massive advantage. This isn't just about location; it's about access. The program leverages this by building strong internship pipelines into the high-paying worlds of public relations, corporate communications, and advertising in the nation’s most competitive market. You'll be competing for roles at global PR firms and Fortune 500 companies, not just local businesses. The curriculum likely emphasizes strategic and corporate messaging over more creative or journalistic tracks, aligning graduates with higher-paying corporate needs. For a successful outcome, your key action is to aggressively pursue NYC-based internships starting your sophomore year; that real-world experience, combined with the Fairfield network, is what unlocks those top-tier starting salaries.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Fairfield University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Communication and Media Studies
How Fairfield University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Fairfield University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Fairfield University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication and Media Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Communication and Media Studies at Fairfield University
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.