Communication and Media Studies at Roanoke College
Salem, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,220/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
3.1x 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 | $457K | $462K | $438K |
| Earnings Multiple | 3.1x | 3.1x | 3.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 31 | 31 | 24 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$147,096
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,820
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
About Roanoke College
Roanoke College accepts 80% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,801 students in Salem, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Roanoke College →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 Roanoke College
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 does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Roanoke College?
At 31/100, 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 Roanoke College?
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 →