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

Median Earnings (1yr)

$35,808

55th percentile

40th percentile in Virginia

Median Debt

$24,000

4% below national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Virginia Commonwealth University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Virginia Commonwealth University	$35,808	$47,603	+33%
University of Virginia-Main Campus	$47,368	$68,510	+45%
James Madison University	$42,769	$56,819	+33%
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	$44,309	$55,850	+26%
Randolph-Macon College	$40,328	$54,123	+34%

Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia

Communication and Media Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (29 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond	$16,458	$35,808	$47,603	$24,000	0.67
DeVry University-VirginiaArlington	$17,488	$47,622	$47,238	$56,858	1.19
University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville	$20,986	$47,368	$68,510	$21,230	0.45
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg	$15,478	$44,309	$55,850	$20,613	0.47
James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg	$13,576	$42,769	$56,819	$21,502	0.50
Randolph-Macon CollegeAshland	$48,002	$40,328	$54,123	$27,000	0.67
National Median	—	$34,959	—	$25,000	0.72

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 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.