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Communication and Media Studies at Waynesburg University

Waynesburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,070/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk High (55% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 4.2x earnings multiple

Ranked #567 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	$497K	$497K	$464K
Earnings Multiple	4.2x	4.2x	3.9x
Probability of Field Employment	46%	40%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	23	18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$117,840

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$100,628

15% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

11.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,244

56% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,070 place Waynesburg University below the $35,147 national median for Communication and Media Studies — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 4.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 55% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$29,070 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #567 out of 613 programs, Waynesburg University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $29,070 to $45,244 over five years (56% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Waynesburg University

Waynesburg University accepts 92% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,081 in Waynesburg, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Waynesburg 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 Waynesburg 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 Waynesburg University's Communication and Media Studies program score?

This program scores 23/100 — 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 Waynesburg University?

Lower starting pay at Waynesburg 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 →