Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $17,707 place Lewis & Clark College below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
An earnings multiple of 3.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $20,500 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,707 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #608 out of 613 programs, Lewis & Clark College's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $17,707 to $64,056 over five years (262% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.