Communication and Media Studies at West Virginia State University
Institute, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
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)
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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,250
12.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,928
36% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools
Other Majors at West Virginia State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
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 →