Communication and Media Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
VCU's Communication and Media Studies program shows promising earnings growth but lags behind Virginia's stronger programs. While graduates start at $35,808—slightly below the state median of $36,220—they see solid 33% earnings growth over four years, reaching $47,603. This puts VCU in the 40th percentile among Virginia's 29 programs offering this degree, trailing schools like UVA ($47,368) and Virginia Tech ($44,309) by a meaningful margin.
The financial picture is manageable, with $24,000 in median debt creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67—better than both state and national averages. This means graduates can reasonably handle their loan payments while building their careers. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes, and VCU's 93% admission rate makes this an accessible option for most students.
For parents weighing options, VCU delivers solid value in communications despite not being a top performer in Virginia. The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates find their footing professionally, even if starting salaries are modest. If your child can gain admission to UVA or Virginia Tech, those programs offer better outcomes, but VCU provides a reliable path with reasonable debt levels for students who want to study communications in Virginia.
Where Virginia Commonwealth University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all communication and media studies bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Virginia Commonwealth University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Virginia Commonwealth University graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 55th percentile of all communication and media studies bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (29 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Commonwealth University | $35,808 | $47,603 | $24,000 | 0.67 |
| DeVry University-Virginia | $47,622 | $47,238 | $56,858 | 1.19 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $47,368 | $68,510 | $21,230 | 0.45 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $44,309 | $55,850 | $20,613 | 0.47 |
| James Madison University | $42,769 | $56,819 | $21,502 | 0.50 |
| Randolph-Macon College | $40,328 | $54,123 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
| National Median | $34,959 | — | $25,000 | 0.72 |
Other Communication and Media Studies Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeVry University-Virginia Arlington | $17,488 | $47,622 | $56,858 |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville | $20,986 | $47,368 | $21,230 |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg | $15,478 | $44,309 | $20,613 |
| James Madison University Harrisonburg | $13,576 | $42,769 | $21,502 |
| Randolph-Macon College Ashland | $48,002 | $40,328 | $27,000 |
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 Virginia Commonwealth University, approximately 30% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 336 graduates with reported earnings and 343 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.