Communication and Media Studies

Bachelor's degree · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · Blacksburg, VA

CIP 09.01

$44,309Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$66,106Median earnings 4 years after
$65,239Median earnings 5 years after
$20,500Median federal debt
225Graduates per year

How this program compares

Graduates of the bachelor's degree program in Communication and Media Studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn a median of $44,309 one year after completing the program. Nationally, bachelor's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $56,359 four years after graduating (middle half: $39,575–$76,115). Median debt is $20,500, about 46% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.

Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's degree) at other Virginia schools

CollegeEarnings (1 yr)Median debt
DeVry University-Virginia
Arlington
$47,622$45,000
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville
$47,368$20,500
James Madison University
Harrisonburg
$42,769$20,500
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland
$40,328$27,000
Radford University
Radford
$38,038$25,000
Christopher Newport University
Newport News
$36,953$23,250
Roanoke College
Salem
$36,220$26,820
Longwood University
Farmville
$36,062$26,000
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond
$35,808$21,500
Liberty University
Lynchburg
$35,392$21,500
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater
$29,477$26,000
Regent University
Virginia Beach
$29,313$20,188
Virginia State University
Petersburg
$23,897$27,000
Virginia Union University
Richmond
$18,076$29,400

Highest-paying Communication and Media Studies programs nationwide →

Other programs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Frequently asked questions

How much do Communication and Media Studies graduates from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University make?

The median salary is $44,309 one year after graduation and $65,239 after five years.

How much student debt do graduates have?

Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $20,500.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.