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Communication and Media Studies at Trinity International University-Illinois

Deerfield, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
34
Optimistic
33
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,341/yr (-5% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #358 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 $486K $487K $457K
Earnings Multiple 9.9x 9.9x 9.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 33 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$49,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,544
-74% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,075
35% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,341/yr, roughly in line with the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.9x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #358 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, Trinity International University-Illinois falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $33,341 to $45,075 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Trinity International University-Illinois

Trinity International University-Illinois accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 140 in Deerfield, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Trinity International University-Illinois →

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 Trinity International University-Illinois

Business/Commerce, General ($47,463) Psychology, General ($39,980) Religious Education ($31,903)

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Trinity International University-Illinois?
A score of 33/100 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 $456,822 in decade earnings vs $486,456 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →