Communication and Media Studies at Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
23
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
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
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,662
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,123
78% growth from Year 1
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
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 →