Communication and Media Studies at Johnson C Smith University
Charlotte, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings
$26,090/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
5.1x earnings multiple
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 | $403K | $415K | $405K |
| Earnings Multiple | 4.9x | 5.1x | 4.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 24 | 24 | 20 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$81,920
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
14.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$28,625
10% growth from Year 1
About Johnson C Smith University
A 43% admission rate makes Johnson C Smith University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, a compact campus enrolling 1,047 students in Charlotte, NC. With 68% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at Johnson C Smith University →Top Career Paths
Public relations managers
$138,520/yr
Fundraising managers
$123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Johnson C Smith University?
A score of 24/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Communication and Media Studies at Johnson C Smith University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $31,000 against $26,090/yr starting salary means roughly 1.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $404,691 in decade earnings vs $403,456 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Johnson C Smith University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →