Communication and Media Studies at Hanover College

Hanover, IN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,621/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #531 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

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 $539K $533K $490K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$171,576
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,304
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,270
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,621 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 3.1x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$31,621 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #531 out of 613 programs, Hanover College's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $31,621 to $52,270 over five years (65% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Hanover College

Hanover College has a 84% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 958 students in Hanover, IN. The average net cost of $87,304 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Hanover 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 Hanover College

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hanover College's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 25/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →