Communication and Media Studies at Shepherd University

The numbers here look rough at first glance—$23,653 after one year puts Shepherd's communication program in the bottom 5% nationally—but there's important context that softens the picture. With fewer than 30 graduates tracked, this data likely captures students in entry-level media jobs or those still seeking their footing in the field. The strong 55% earnings jump to $36,731 by year four suggests many graduates do find their stride, eventually matching the national median for this degree.

West Virginia's media market presents real constraints. While this program sits at the 40th percentile statewide (meaning it's middle-of-the-pack among WV schools), the state median for communication graduates is just $25,000—nearly $10,000 below the national figure. Shepherd students actually carry less debt than typical West Virginia communication majors ($19,558 vs. $29,995 statewide), which matters when starting salaries are universally low in the region.

The fundamental question is whether your child can weather those first years below $25,000. If they're planning to stay in West Virginia or small media markets, these earnings reflect market reality rather than program failure. The relatively modest debt and strong earnings growth suggest this isn't a trap—just a degree that requires patience and probably supplemental income early on.