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Communication and Media Studies at Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $45,021/yr (28% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #402 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 $504K $502K $468K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.1x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 25
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$162,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$110,744
32% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,343
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Program Analysis

At $45,021 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Messiah University significantly outpace the $35,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #402 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Messiah University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Messiah University

With 78% of applicants admitted, Messiah University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,318 students in Mechanicsburg, PA. The average net cost of $110,744 over four years represents a 32% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Messiah 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

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 Messiah University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($73,788) Engineering, General ($64,871) Accounting and Related Services ($59,833) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($50,825) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($50,389) Computer Science ($49,205) Marketing ($45,748) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($43,029)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Messiah University?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Messiah University?
The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →