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Communication and Media Studies at George Washington University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,552/yr (44% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #241 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 $605K $590K $531K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,960
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$149,816
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$68,982
36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of George Washington University's Communication and Media Studies program earn $50,552/yr in their first year — 44% above the $35,147 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% 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 $25,000 in median debt against $50,552 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #241 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places George Washington University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 36% earnings increase from $50,552 to $68,982 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About George Washington University

With a 44% acceptance rate, George Washington University is moderately selective, serving 10,848 students in Washington, DC. After financial aid, the average student pays $149,816 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at George Washington 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 George Washington University

Computer Science ($104,200) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($86,753) Mechanical Engineering ($82,361) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($79,221) Finance and Financial Management Services ($73,833) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($71,192) International Business ($70,856) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,942)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at George Washington University?
At 39/100, 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 George Washington 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 →