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Communication and Media Studies at West Virginia State University

Institute, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,351/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (7.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #528 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 $442K $449K $429K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.2x 12.4x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.6x 7.7x 7.3x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,196
Out-of-state: $58,492 (7.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,764
-13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,250
12.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,928
36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,351 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from West Virginia State University earn below the $35,147 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Communication and Media Studies programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Communication and Media Studies's typical career paths, with 55% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $28,250 against $26,351/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.1 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.

Ranked #528 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, West Virginia State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $26,351 to $35,928 over five years — a 36% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About West Virginia State University

With 96% of applicants admitted, West Virginia State University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,328 students in Institute, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at West Virginia State 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 West Virginia State University

Business Administration, Management and Operations ($43,709) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($42,197) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($41,319) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($39,056) Social Work ($30,060) Psychology, General ($28,185)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Communication and Media Studies at West Virginia State University?
A score of 26/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Communication and Media Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Communication and Media Studies at West Virginia State University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $28,250 against $26,351/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace Communication and Media Studies careers?
With 55% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $428,933 in decade earnings vs $442,049 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Communication and Media Studies from West Virginia State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →