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Communication and Media Studies at Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,055/yr (20% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 2.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #285 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	$653K	$632K	$562K
Earnings Multiple	2.5x	2.4x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$259,032

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$114,984

56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,250

6.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$72,756

73% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,055 at Wake Forest University come in 20% above the national median of $35,147 for Communication and Media Studies programs.

An earnings multiple of 2.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,250 debt-to-$42,055 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #285 out of 613 programs, Wake Forest University's Communication and Media Studies offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $42,055 to $72,756 over five years (73% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University accepts 22% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, enrolling 5,471 students in Winston-Salem, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $114,984 over four years — 56% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest 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

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

This program scores 37/100 — 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.

How affordable is Communication and Media Studies at Wake Forest University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $259,032, but the average net cost is $114,984 — a 56% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

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