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Communication and Media Studies at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $51,720/yr (47% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #131 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 25%

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 $639K $620K $552K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$236,964
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$203,836
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,832
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,671
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $51,720 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from Santa Clara University significantly outpace the $35,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 2.6x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $17,832 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Santa Clara University ranks #131 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 44% earnings increase from $51,720 to $74,671 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University accepts 44% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 6,235 students in Santa Clara, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Santa Clara 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

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Santa Clara University

Computer Engineering ($103,804) Management Information Systems and Services ($93,042) Mathematics and Computer Science ($91,851) Civil Engineering ($84,883) Mechanical Engineering ($81,865) Finance and Financial Management Services ($79,929) Accounting and Related Services ($78,417) Economics ($76,606)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 44/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Santa Clara University?
At 44/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Santa Clara University?
The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Santa Clara University one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Santa Clara University's #131 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →