Home › Willamette University › Communication and Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies at Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,472/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #522 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 $432K $440K $423K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$193,072
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,652
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings

About Willamette University

Willamette University has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 1,525 in Salem, OR. The average net cost of $94,652 over four years represents a 51% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Willamette 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 Willamette University

Computer Science ($80,077) Economics ($45,993) Political Science and Government ($35,162) English Language and Literature, General ($32,863) Psychology, General ($29,678) Sociology ($29,312) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($28,697) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($27,044)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Willamette University's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 26/100 — 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 Willamette University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $193,072, but the average net cost is $94,652 — a 51% 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 →