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Communication and Media Studies at Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
44
Optimistic
43
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,465/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #160 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 $671K $648K $573K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 43 35

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,564
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,464
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,774
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $47,465 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Northeastern University significantly outpace the $35,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 15% 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.

The median debt load of $21,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

A #160 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Northeastern University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $47,465-to-$77,774 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Northeastern University

With just 6% of applicants admitted, Northeastern University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 15,719 in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $128,464 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern 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 Northeastern University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($115,587) Computer Engineering ($99,499) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($92,222) Chemical Engineering ($81,880) International Business ($80,848) Mechanical Engineering ($80,255) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($78,713) Industrial Engineering ($77,066)

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

What does a 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Northeastern University?
At 43/100, 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 Northeastern 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 →