Communication & Media Studies at Harrisburg Area Community College

Harrisburg, PA · Public · Associate Degree · Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other

enrolling 9,802 students in Harrisburg, PA.

Program Analysis

At $41,282/yr, Communication & Media Studies graduates from Harrisburg Area Community College land near the $40,671 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 29.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication & Media Studies career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $14,750 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

Communication & Media Studies is offered at just 2 schools in our analysis. Harrisburg Area Community College's #2 ranking should be read in that context.

46 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
41
Low End
46
Score
50
High End
Earnings $41,282/yr (2% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (35% shielded)
Job Market Medium (25,900 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$432K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
29.3x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$14,746
Out-of-state: $22,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,750
4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Communication & Media Studies graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800 +2.1% 57%
Editors $75,260 +0.6% 35%
Writers and authors $72,270 +3.6% 11%
Communications teachers, postsecondary
$77,800
+2.1% growth 57% AI-proof
Editors
$75,260
+0.6% growth 35% AI-proof
Writers and authors
$72,270
+3.6% growth 11% AI-proof

Communication & Media Studies Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Communication & Media Studies careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Communication & Media Studies career guide →

Compare & Explore

Communication & Media Studies Overview

Communication & Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at Harrisburg Area Community College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Communication & Media Studies at Harrisburg Area Community College?
This program scores 46/100 — on the lower end for Communication & Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
What's the AI risk for Communication & Media Studies graduates from Harrisburg Area Community College?
The 65% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Harrisburg Area Community College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →