Communication and Media Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College

Saint Peter, MN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
38
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,074/yr (42% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #267 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

While the career paths listed are common for this major, your earning potential is amplified by Gustavus's specific environment. The program's liberal arts core will train you not just in media production, but in critical thinking and persuasive writing—skills that are highly valued in corporate and nonprofit leadership. The key is the college's strong pipeline into the robust Minneapolis-St. Paul economy. You'll find a fiercely loyal "Gustie" alumni network at major Twin Cities employers like Target, 3M, and Medtronic, creating internship and career opportunities that aren't available to graduates from other regions. To maximize this advantage, your most important move is to secure a junior-year internship in the Twin Cities. This will be your direct bridge from a Saint Peter classroom to a high-paying corporate communications or public affairs career.

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 $563K $554K $505K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 38 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$217,240
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,580
50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,102
24% growth from Year 1

About Gustavus Adolphus College

Gustavus Adolphus College accepts 62% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 1,930 students in Saint Peter, MN. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,580 — 50% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Gustavus Adolphus College →

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 Gustavus Adolphus College

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does Gustavus Adolphus College's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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.
How affordable is Communication and Media Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $217,240, but the average net cost is $107,580 — a 50% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →