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Communication & Media Studies at Malone University

Canton, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
16
Base Case
11
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,204/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #16 of 16 Communication & Journalism programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication & Media Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $515K $512K $472K
Earnings Multiple 3.6x 3.5x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 39% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 16 11

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$144,480
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$91,524
37% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,455
77% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Malone University's Communication & Media Studies graduates start at $26,204/yr, trailing the $34,532 national average by 24%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 3.5x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 65% task exposure — and the 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $26,204 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #16 out of 16 programs, Malone University's financial outcomes for Communication & Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $26,204 to $46,455 over five years (77% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Malone University

A 76% acceptance rate means Malone University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 777 in Canton, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $91,524 over four years — 37% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Malone University →

Top Career Paths

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 16 schools offering Communication & Media Studies →

Communication & Media Studies at Other Schools

Wisconsin Lutheran College ($44,511) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ($43,969) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($41,040) Grand Valley State University ($40,415) University of Nebraska at Omaha ($39,400) West Virginia University ($38,660) Berry College ($36,931) California Lutheran University ($34,432)

Other Majors at Malone University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($67,144) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($52,431) Marketing ($40,893) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($37,284) Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($31,005) Biology, General ($22,005)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication & 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 Malone University's Communication & Media Studies program score?
This program scores 16/100 — on the lower end for Communication & Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Malone University Communication & Media Studies graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Communication & Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication & Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 65% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Communication & Media Studies earnings lower at Malone University?
Lower starting pay at Malone University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →