Communication and Media Studies at Saint Edward's University
Austin, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings
$31,117/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk
High (55% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
2.7x 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 | $554K | $546K | $499K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.7x | 2.7x | 2.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 46% | 40% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 23 | 23 | 17 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$205,536
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,153
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,095
74% growth from Year 1
About Saint Edward's University
A 84% acceptance rate means Saint Edward's University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 2,729 students in Austin, TX. The average net cost of $94,544 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.
See all programs and financial aid at Saint Edward's University →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 Saint Edward's 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 Saint Edward's University?
A score of 23/100 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 $499,488 in decade earnings vs $554,381 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Saint Edward's University a hidden gem for Communication and Media Studies?
After financial aid, the average student pays $94,544 over four years — 54% below the $205,536 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →