Communication and Media Studies at Liberty University

Liberty University's Communication and Media Studies program delivers outcomes that closely mirror national averages—graduates earn $35,392 in their first year, nearly identical to the national median of $34,959. However, within Virginia, this program underperforms significantly. At the 40th percentile statewide, it trails the state median by nearly $1,000 and sits well below Virginia's top-tier programs like UVA and Virginia Tech, where graduates earn $47,000+. For Virginia families paying nearly equivalent debt loads ($23,250 versus a state median of $25,250), this earnings gap matters.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 is manageable, meaning graduates owe about eight months of their first-year salary. Earnings do grow to $38,584 by year four—a 9% increase that suggests graduates gain traction in their careers. Still, that fourth-year figure remains below what top Virginia programs deliver right out of the gate.

The bottom line: If your child is considering Liberty for communications, they'll likely find work and handle their debt, but they're paying a Virginia price tag for below-average Virginia outcomes. Unless there are compelling personal or religious reasons for choosing Liberty, exploring higher-ranked in-state options like James Madison University or Virginia Tech could yield substantially better earnings with similar debt levels. The program works, but it doesn't distinguish itself in a competitive state market.