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Communication and Media Studies at Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,169/yr (-8% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 3.8x earnings multiple

Ranked #445 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	$573K	$563K	$511K
Earnings Multiple	3.9x	3.8x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	30	29	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$147,360

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$48,372

67% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,662

8.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$57,123

78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,169/yr, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Saint Xavier University land near the $35,147 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 3.8x 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 11% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,662 represents roughly 8 months of the $32,169 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #445 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Saint Xavier University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $57,123 show a 78% jump from the $32,169 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Saint Xavier University

With 86% of applicants admitted, Saint Xavier University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 3,030 students in Chicago, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 56% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $48,372 over four years represents a 67% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Saint Xavier University?

A score of 29/100 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 $511,302 in decade earnings vs $573,190 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Is Saint Xavier University a hidden gem for Communication and Media Studies?

After financial aid, the average student pays $48,372 over four years — 67% below the $147,360 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 →