Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $28,884/yr fall 18% below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 3.6x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.
AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $25,000 debt-to-$28,884 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #410 out of 613 programs, Sacred Heart University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $28,884 to $72,884 over five years (152% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.