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Communication and Media Studies at Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,767/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #453 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 $609K $593K $533K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,244
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,104
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,144
74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Syracuse University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $36,767/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% 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.

At $26,000 against $36,767/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #453 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Syracuse University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $36,767-to-$64,144 earnings arc over five years reflects a 74% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University's 42% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving 15,245 students in Syracuse, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $164,104 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Syracuse 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 Syracuse University

Computer Engineering ($84,793) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($84,494) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($82,378) Accounting and Related Services ($75,294) Civil Engineering ($74,748) Information Science/Studies ($73,033) Chemical Engineering ($72,864) Finance and Financial Management Services ($72,819)

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 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Syracuse University?
At 29/100, 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 Syracuse 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →