Communication and Media Studies at Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,270/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 1.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #538 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

Program Analysis

While the initial earnings data may seem concerning, it reflects the nature of both Vassar and the media industry itself. A Vassar education emphasizes critical thinking and theory over pre-professional training, preparing you for a long-term trajectory rather than immediate high-paying jobs. Graduates often start in lower-paid but prestigious roles in New York City's competitive media, publishing, or non-profit sectors—think editorial assistants or foundation coordinators. The powerful Vassar alumni network is your key asset here, offering a direct pipeline into these exclusive fields. Your success will depend on leveraging these connections. For your best outcome, plan on completing multiple NYC-based internships during your summers; your coursework will provide the intellectual foundation, but practical experience and networking are what will truly launch your career in this industry.

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 $389K $402K $395K
Earnings Multiple 1.4x 1.5x 1.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$152,728
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,750
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings

About Vassar College

Admission to Vassar College is competitive, with 18% of applicants accepted, a smaller institution with 2,430 students in Poughkeepsie, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $152,728 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Vassar College →

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

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at Vassar College?
A score of 25/100 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 $395,331 in decade earnings vs $388,552 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from Vassar College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →