Home › Pepperdine University › Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies at Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $48,398/yr (38% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #277 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	$595K	$582K	$525K
Earnings Multiple	2.2x	2.2x	2.0x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$266,968

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$181,636

32% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

4.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$66,858

38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $48,398 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Pepperdine University significantly outpace the $35,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The financial case is thin at 2.2x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 12% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $19,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #277 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Pepperdine University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $48,398 to $66,858 over five years — a 38% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University accepts 50% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 3,629 students in Malibu, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $181,636 over four years — 32% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pepperdine 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

Other Majors at Pepperdine University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Pepperdine University?

A score of 37/100 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 $525,141 in decade earnings vs $595,223 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →