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Communication and Media Studies at Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $23,653/yr (-33% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.9x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #555 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	$439K	$446K	$427K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.7x	12.9x	12.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.8x	5.6x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	24	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$34,568

Out-of-state: $76,328 (5.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$49,564

-43% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,225

9.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$34,523

46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Shepherd University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $23,653/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 33%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 12.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,225 debt-to-$23,653 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #555 out of 613 programs, Shepherd University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $23,653 to $34,523 shows 46% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Shepherd University

A 96% acceptance rate means Shepherd University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,375 students in Shepherdstown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at Shepherd 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 Shepherd 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

How does Shepherd University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are Communication and Media Studies earnings lower at Shepherd University?

Lower starting pay at Shepherd University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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