Communication and Media Studies at Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,392/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 5.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #406 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 $487K $488K $457K
Earnings Multiple 5.7x 5.7x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$84,888
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$118,208
-39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,741
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Liberty University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $35,392/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

A 5.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% 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.

At $21,500 against $35,392/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #406 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Liberty University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 29% earnings increase from $35,392 to $45,741 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Liberty University

A 99% acceptance rate means Liberty University is accessible to most applicants, serving a student body of 50,059 in Lynchburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Liberty 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 Liberty 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

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Liberty University?
At 32/100, 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 Liberty 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →