Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree) at Marshall University

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$34,959

Est. from national median (613 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$24,063

Est. from national median (347 programs)

Analysis

A debt load of roughly $24,000 against first-year earnings near $35,000 sounds manageable on paper, but here's the catch: both figures are national estimates since Marshall's actual graduate outcomes aren't reported. What we do know is that West Virginia's reported median for communication programs sits at just $25,000—nearly $10,000 below the national figure. If Marshall's graduates follow their state peers rather than the national average, that debt-to-earnings picture deteriorates significantly.

Marshall's open-access admission profile (96% acceptance rate, moderate test scores) and substantial Pell-eligible population suggest graduates may face tougher financial starting points than those feeding into national statistics. The two WV schools with reported data—West Virginia State and Shepherd—both show earnings in the low-to-mid $20,000s, reinforcing concerns that the $35,000 estimate may be optimistic for this region. Communication degrees don't typically command premium salaries anywhere, but in West Virginia's media market, the financial ceiling appears particularly low.

The real issue isn't the debt level itself—it's modest compared to many bachelor's programs. It's whether communication jobs in West Virginia will pay enough to make those monthly payments comfortable. Without Marshall's actual graduate data, you're essentially betting on whether their program produces outcomes closer to national norms or state realities. Given what we see from comparable WV institutions, assume the lower end when planning your budget.

Where Marshall University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (8 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Marshall UniversityHuntington	$8,942	$34,959*	—	$24,063*	—
West Virginia State UniversityInstitute	$9,049	$26,351*	$37,669	$30,788*	1.17
Shepherd UniversityShepherdstown	$8,642	$23,653*	$36,731	$19,558*	0.83
National Median	—	$34,959*	—	$25,000*	0.72

* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with communication and media studies graduates

Public Relations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraising Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

$132,870/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Editors

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

$75,260/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Writers and Authors

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

$72,270/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Public Relations Specialists

Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

$69,780/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

$66,490/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

$60,280/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Jobs growth:

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

All media and communication workers not listed separately.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Marshall University, approximately 38% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 613 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.