Communication and Media Studies at Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,138/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #409 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 $507K $505K $469K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.9x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$174,200
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$200,672
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,181
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $40,138/yr, edging above the $35,147 national average for Communication and Media Studies — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The financial case is thin at 2.9x — 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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,500 represents roughly 6 months of the $40,138 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #409 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Point Loma Nazarene University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $40,138 to $50,181 over five years — a 25% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Point Loma Nazarene University

Point Loma Nazarene University has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 3,132 in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Point Loma Nazarene 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 Point Loma Nazarene 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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Point Loma Nazarene University?
A score of 31/100 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 $469,439 in decade earnings vs $506,540 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →