Communication and Media Studiesat Virginia Union University
Graduates earn $18,076/yr in their first year — about 49.0% below the national Communication and Media Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $442K; scenarios range from $424K to $434K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Virginia Union University
While the career paths listed show high-end potential, the early-career outcomes for this program reflect the realities of the local Richmond job market. Many communications roles in the area are with state government, nonprofits, or smaller regional businesses, which offer valuable experience but tend to have more modest starting salaries than the major corporate headquarters in larger media hubs like Washington D.C. or New York. The program's focus may also lean more toward foundational theory and community-oriented media rather than building direct pipelines to high-paying corporate public relations or marketing firms. This means your first job might be in community outreach or local news, building a portfolio from the ground up.
To maximize your return, you must aggressively pursue internships outside of the immediate Richmond area during your summers, focusing on corporate communications or digital media to build a competitive, national-level resume before you graduate.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Virginia Union University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Communication and Media Studies
How Virginia Union University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Virginia Union University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Virginia Union University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication and Media Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Communication and Media Studies at Virginia Union University
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.