Communication and Media Studies at Marist College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,818/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #179 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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 $653K $632K $561K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.4x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$184,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$158,640
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$72,563
74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Marist College's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $41,818/yr — above the $35,147 national average, though not by a wide margin.

The 3.4x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$41,818 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #179 out of 613 programs, Marist College's Communication and Media Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $41,818 to $72,563 over five years (74% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Marist College

Marist College's 65% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 5,039 in Poughkeepsie, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Marist 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

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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 Marist College's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 42/100 — 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 →