Best Communication and Media Studies Schools in Virginia

Virginia has 20 colleges offering Communication and Media Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 1,753 recent graduates. Graduates earn $33,451 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $33,406.

School choice matters significantly: University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates earn $46,478 while University of Virginia's College at Wise graduates earn $26,896 — a $19,582 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in VA

$33,451

VA Avg. Earnings

$33,406

National Avg.

777

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Communication and Media Studies in Virginia

Public Schools (9)

$35,456

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (10)

$30,780

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Virginia produce comparable or higher early earnings for Communication and Media Studies graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Communication and Media Studies Schools in Virginia, Ranked by Earnings

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$46,478

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,057

Graduates: 94

Acceptance: 16.9%

Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private

$27,476

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,514

Graduates: 45

Acceptance: 80.1%

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

$39,429

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,604

Graduates: 376

Acceptance: 76.3%

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$41,618

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,639

Graduates: 178

Acceptance: 57.0%

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private

$44,276

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,457

Graduates: 54

Acceptance: 83.4%

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public

$33,300

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $31,961

Graduates: 374

Acceptance: 93.1%

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public

$34,467

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,483

Graduates: 100

Acceptance: 90.6%

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA · Public

$36,668

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,363

Graduates: 115

Acceptance: 88.0%

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA · Private

$30,080

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $33,014

Graduates: 122

Acceptance: 99.3%

#10

Longwood University

Farmville, VA · Public

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA · Private

$29,685

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,542

Graduates: 28

Acceptance: 90.8%

#12

DeVry University-Virginia

Arlington, VA · For-Profit

University of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, VA · Private

$31,133

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $24,790

Graduates: 43

Acceptance: 82.2%

#14

Virginia Union University

Richmond, VA · Private

$20,530

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,264

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 97.7%

#15

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private

$28,598

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,849

Graduates: 69

Acceptance: 41.2%

#16

Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public

$25,615

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $21,298

Graduates: 120

Acceptance: 89.1%

#17

Marymount University

Arlington, VA · Private

$39,369

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $42,506

Graduates: 18

Acceptance: 80.5%

#18

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private

Emory & Henry University

Emory, VA · Private

University of Virginia's College at Wise

Wise, VA · Public

$26,896

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 93.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Communication and Media Studies in Virginia?

University of Virginia-Main Campus ranks #1 for Communication and Media Studies in Virginia with median graduate earnings of $46,478 within two years of graduation. There are 20 schools offering Communication and Media Studies programs in the state.

How much do Communication and Media Studies graduates earn in Virginia?

Communication and Media Studies graduates in Virginia earn an average of $33,451 within two years of graduation. This is near the national average of $33,406 for this major.

What is the hardest Communication and Media Studies school to get into in Virginia?

University of Virginia-Main Campus is the most selective Communication and Media Studies program in Virginia with an acceptance rate of 16.9%. The average acceptance rate across Communication and Media Studies programs in the state is 80.6%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Communication and Media Studies in Virginia?

In Virginia, private Communication and Media Studies programs produce average earnings of $30,780 vs $35,456 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 9 public and 10 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Virginia

Computer Science $71,200 Industrial Engineering $70,628 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $69,947 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $69,803 Computer Engineering $69,212 Chemical Engineering $67,280 Computer and Information Sciences, General $64,785 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $61,922

All colleges in Virginia →

Communication and Media Studies in Other States

Pennsylvania New York California Texas Ohio Illinois North Carolina Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Wisconsin Florida View All →

Get Communication and Media Studies Career Insights

We're building major-specific salary reports with ROI analysis by school. Be the first to get yours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.