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Communication and Media Studies at Iona University

New Rochelle, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,911/yr (-15% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #499 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	$619K	$602K	$540K
Earnings Multiple	3.4x	3.3x	2.9x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	27	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$183,520

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$111,804

39% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,723

10.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$61,436

105% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,911 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 3.3x 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 13% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,723 debt-to-$29,911 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #499 out of 613 programs, Iona University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $29,911 to $61,436 over five years (105% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Iona University

Iona University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,731 students in New Rochelle, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $111,804 over four years — 39% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Iona 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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iona University

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 Iona University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 27/100 — 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 →