Communication and Media Studies at Luther College

Decorah, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $42,012/yr (20% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #414 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 $520K $517K $478K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.4x
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)
$201,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$102,540
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,931
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $42,012/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

An earnings multiple of 2.6x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$42,012 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #414 out of 613 programs, Luther College's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $42,012 to $52,931 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Luther College

Luther College has a 73% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 1,454 students in Decorah, IA. The average net cost of $102,540 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Luther 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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Luther College

Consider the Trade Route?

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

How does Luther College's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →