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Communication and Media Studies at Lee University

Cleveland, TN · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,365/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #553 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 $410K $421K $409K
Earnings Multiple 4.5x 4.6x 4.5x
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)
$90,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,596
10% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $27,365/yr fall 22% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 4.6x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #553 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Lee University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Lee University

Lee University has a 72% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 2,712 in Cleveland, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at Lee 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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Lee University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($67,930) Accounting and Related Services ($53,577) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($45,678) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($45,248) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($44,397) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($40,193) Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries ($35,189) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($33,162)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Lee University?
At 24/100, 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 Lee University?
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 Lee University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Lee University'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 →