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Communication and Media Studies at Virginia Union University

Richmond, VA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,076/yr (-49% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 7.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #606 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication and Media Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $434K $442K $424K
Earnings Multiple 7.3x 7.4x 7.1x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$59,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,320
-32% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,400
19.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$31,507
74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Virginia Union University's Communication and Media Studies graduates start at $18,076/yr, trailing the $35,147 national average by 49%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 7.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.6x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #606 ranking among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs places Virginia Union University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $18,076-to-$31,507 earnings arc over five years reflects a 74% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Virginia Union University

A 98% acceptance rate means Virginia Union University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 1,153 students in Richmond, VA. Pell Grant recipients make up 51% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Union University →

Top Career Paths

Public relations managers $138,520/yr
Fundraising managers $123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 613 schools offering Communication and Media Studies →

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($62,183) Cornell University ($62,182) Ashford University ($58,089) CUNY Graduate School and University Center ($57,782) Boston College ($55,162) University of Maryland Global Campus ($53,513) University of Pennsylvania ($53,022) Villanova University ($52,294)

Other Majors at Virginia Union University

Computer and Information Sciences, General ($33,126) Biology, General ($32,986) Criminology ($30,291) Psychology, General ($21,626) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($19,354)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Virginia Union University?
At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Communication and Media Studies degree from Virginia Union University?
At $29,400 in median debt, graduates carry 20 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Virginia Union University?
The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Virginia Union University a good choice for Communication and Media Studies despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Virginia Union University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →