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Communication and Media Studies at Seattle University

Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,316/yr (12% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #290 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

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	$649K	$628K	$559K
Earnings Multiple	3.0x	2.9x	2.6x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$217,140

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$139,208

36% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

6.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$70,740

80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,316 at Seattle University come in 12% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

The financial case is thin at 2.9x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 14% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $39,316 far exceeding the $19,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #290 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Seattle University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $70,740 show a 80% jump from the $39,316 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Seattle University

Seattle University accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 4,117 students in Seattle, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $139,208 — 36% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Seattle 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 Seattle University

Consider the Trade Route?

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Seattle University?

A score of 37/100 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 $558,672 in decade earnings vs $648,610 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →