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Communication and Media Studies at Widener University

Chester, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,732/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #541 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 $428K $436K $420K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,552
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$121,880
43% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

Widener University's Communication and Media Studies program produces graduates earning $30,732/yr — within striking distance of the $35,147 national average for this field.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x 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 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #541 out of 613 programs, Widener University's financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Widener University

A 84% acceptance rate means Widener University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 2,765 students in Chester, PA. The average net cost of $121,880 over four years represents a 43% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Widener 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 Widener University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($83,528) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,611) Chemical Engineering ($71,160) Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services ($70,817) Civil Engineering ($69,289) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($68,762) Mechanical Engineering ($65,515) Accounting and Related Services ($65,071)

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

How does Widener University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 25/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →