Communication and Media Studies at Hood College

Frederick, MD · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
15
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,422/yr (-42% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #612 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

Program Analysis

While the career paths listed have high earning potential, the data suggests Hood graduates struggle to land those top-tier roles right away. Your challenge will be breaking into the competitive Washington D.C. and Baltimore media markets. You'll be competing against graduates from larger universities with more established recruiting pipelines into major PR firms, government agencies, and media outlets. The program's liberal arts focus can build strong writing and critical thinking skills, but it may lack the specialized, technical portfolio that helps a resume stand out in a crowded field. To overcome this, your key action item is to secure multiple, high-quality internships in the D.C. area, even if it means a tough commute. Your professional network and hands-on experience, more than your diploma alone, will determine your career trajectory.

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 $555K $547K $500K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.0x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 15 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$183,480
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,828
48% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,421
132% growth from Year 1

About Hood College

Hood College has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,202 in Frederick, MD. The average net cost of $94,828 over four years represents a 48% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Hood 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 Hood 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

What does a 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Hood College?
At 15/100, 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 Hood College?
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.
Is Hood College a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Hood College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →