Communication and Media Studies at Otterbein University
Westerville, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings
$31,207/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
3.3x earnings multiple
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 | $454K | $459K | $436K |
| Earnings Multiple | 3.2x | 3.3x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 22 | 22 | 16 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$139,596
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,136
25% growth from Year 1
About Otterbein University
A 83% acceptance rate means Otterbein University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,055 students in Westerville, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $88,560 over four years — 37% below sticker price.
See all programs and financial aid at Otterbein University →Top Career Paths
Public relations managers
$138,520/yr
Fundraising managers
$123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at Otterbein University
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Otterbein University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 22/100 — 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 →