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Communication and Media Studies at Loras College

Dubuque, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,821/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #413 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 $460K $464K $440K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.0x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$153,192
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$84,228
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,876
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $36,821/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Loras College land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 3.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% 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 $20,876 against $36,821/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #413 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Loras College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Loras College

With 92% of applicants admitted, Loras College prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 1,087 in Dubuque, IA. The average net cost of $84,228 over four years represents a 45% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Loras College →

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 Loras College

Accounting and Related Services ($61,147) Finance and Financial Management Services ($59,434) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($47,413) Marketing ($46,541) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($41,810) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($40,938) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($40,328) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($31,493)

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 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Loras College?
At 31/100, 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 Loras College?
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 →