Communication and Media Studies at Gallaudet University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,747/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
5.6x earnings multiple
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 | $402K | $413K | $404K |
| Earnings Multiple | 5.5x | 5.6x | 5.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 24 | 24 | 20 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$73,528
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,021
12.6 months of Year 1 earnings
About Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University accepts 61% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 879 students in Washington, DC. Pell Grant recipients make up 54% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Gallaudet University →Top Career Paths
Public relations managers
$138,520/yr
Fundraising managers
$123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Gallaudet 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 Gallaudet University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Gallaudet University Communication and Media Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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 Gallaudet University?
Lower starting pay at Gallaudet 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 →