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Communication and Media Studies at Lycoming College

Williamsport, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,696/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #566 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 $564K $554K $505K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 2.9x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$190,700
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,032
60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,573
84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $29,696 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Lycoming College earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 2.9x 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 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$29,696 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #566 out of 613 programs, Lycoming College's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $29,696 to $54,573 over five years (84% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Lycoming College

Lycoming College accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 1,049 students in Williamsport, PA. 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. The average net cost of $77,032 over four years represents a 60% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Lycoming 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 Lycoming College

Business Administration, Management and Operations ($41,884) Criminology ($40,646) History ($35,026) Psychology, General ($34,534) Biology, General ($32,319) Fine and Studio Arts ($25,858)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does Lycoming College's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 23/100 — 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.
Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Lycoming College?
Lower starting pay at Lycoming College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Communication and Media Studies at Lycoming College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $190,700, but the average net cost is $77,032 — a 60% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →