Communication and Media Studies at Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,596/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #308 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 $687K $661K $583K
Earnings Multiple 4.0x 3.9x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$170,664
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,492
11% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$71,861
114% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $33,596/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Roger Williams University land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 3.9x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

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 15% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $33,596 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #308 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Roger Williams University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $71,861 show a 114% jump from the $33,596 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Roger Williams University

With 88% of applicants admitted, Roger Williams University prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 3,957 in Bristol, RI.

See all programs and financial aid at Roger Williams 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 Roger Williams 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 Roger Williams University?
A score of 36/100 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 $582,573 in decade earnings vs $686,659 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →