Communication and Media Studies at Mercy University

Dobbs Ferry, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,079/yr (-12% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 5.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #501 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 $481K $483K $453K
Earnings Multiple 5.4x 5.5x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$88,424
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,080
29% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,499
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,540
40% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,079 track close to the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 5.5x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,499 represents roughly 10 months of the $31,079 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #501 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Mercy University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $31,079 to $43,540 over five years — a 40% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Mercy University

Mercy University has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 5,539 students in Dobbs Ferry, NY. 47% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Mercy University →

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Mercy University?
A score of 27/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $453,479 in decade earnings vs $481,133 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →