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Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Virginia

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Virginia Tech graduates with Communication and Media Studies degrees earn $41,618 annually, yet the University of Virginia at Wise offers the same major for just $11,180 in net costs. This $32,638 earnings gap reflects how program reputation and alumni networks shape career outcomes in Virginia's media market. The state's proximity to Washington DC creates opportunities with government contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton and defense firms requiring communication specialists. Public universities dominate the value equation, with in-state students at UVA's main campus paying $20,986 while earning $46,478 after graduation. Private institutions like Randolph-Macon College command $27,759 in net costs but deliver $44,276 in graduate earnings. Virginia's 15 Communication and Media Studies programs span from $11,180 to $27,759 in annual costs, while graduate earnings range from $25,615 to $46,478, creating clear value distinctions for students weighing return on investment.
29
Programs
$11,180 – $30,055
Net Price Range
$33,451
Avg. Program Earnings
60.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,180 $26,896 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
2 $16,640 $34,467 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
3 $22,881 $46,478 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
4 $22,341 $42,123 $17,488 100.0% 33.3%
5 $21,816 $39,429 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
6 $14,553 $25,615 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
7 $23,790 $41,618 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
8 $19,452 $33,300 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
9 $20,814 $34,633 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
10 $22,197 $36,668 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
11 $27,759 $44,276 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
12 $25,153 $39,369 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
13 $20,187 $31,133 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
14 $18,749 $28,598 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
15 $20,173 $29,685 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
16 $20,583 $28,598 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
17 $20,591 $28,055 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
18 $19,580 $20,530 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
19 $29,552 $30,080 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
20 $27,786 $27,476 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
21 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
22 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
23 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
24 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
25 $22,263 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
26 $18,287 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
27 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
28 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
29 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $21,863 earnings difference between UVA's main campus and UVA Wise graduates?

UVA's main campus graduates earn $46,478 compared to $26,896 at UVA Wise, reflecting the flagship university's stronger alumni network and research opportunities. The Charlottesville campus maintains a 95.30% graduation rate versus 49.80% at Wise. UVA's main campus also benefits from closer proximity to Northern Virginia's media and government sectors. The $9,701 higher net cost at the main campus often pays off through superior career placement and starting salaries.

How do Virginia's public universities compare to private colleges for Communication majors?

Public universities offer net costs between $11,180 and $23,790, while private institutions range from $18,749 to $27,759. Virginia Tech provides the best public value with $41,618 graduate earnings at $23,790 net cost. Randolph-Macon College leads private schools with $44,276 earnings but costs $27,759 annually. The VTAG grant helps students at private colleges, reducing the actual price gap between sectors.

Does Virginia State University provide good value despite lower graduate earnings?

Virginia State University charges just $14,553 in net costs while graduates earn $25,615, creating a modest but positive return. The 89.72% acceptance rate makes admission accessible for students seeking affordable education. However, the 40.70% graduation rate signals completion challenges that prospective students should consider. Students graduate with $27,000 in debt, which remains manageable given the low program costs.

Where do Communication graduates find the best job opportunities in Virginia?

Northern Virginia offers the strongest job market with government contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen Hamilton requiring communication specialists. The region's proximity to Washington DC creates demand for public affairs and media relations professionals. Richmond and Virginia Beach also provide opportunities with healthcare systems like Inova Health and military contractors. Graduates from programs near these employment centers typically command higher starting salaries.

What makes James Madison University a strong value choice for Communication studies?

JMU graduates earn $39,429 while paying just $21,816 in net costs, creating an excellent return ratio. The 80.90% graduation rate ranks among the state's highest for public universities in this field. Students graduate with $20,500 in debt, well below the national average for communication majors. The Harrisonburg location provides internship access to both government and private sector employers throughout Virginia.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.