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 $33,523.

School choice matters significantly: University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates earn $46,478 while Virginia Union University graduates earn $20,530 — a $25,948 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

20
Schools in VA
$33,451
VA Avg. Earnings
$33,523
National Avg.
678
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

#1
U

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public

$46,478
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,057
Graduates: 94
Acceptance: 16.9%
#2
R

Randolph-Macon College

Ashland, VA · Private

$44,276
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $35,457
Graduates: 54
Acceptance: 83.4%
#3
D

DeVry University-Virginia

Arlington, VA · For-Profit

$42,123
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 100.0%
#4
V

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public

$41,618
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,639
Graduates: 178
Acceptance: 57.0%
#5
J

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

$39,429
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,604
Graduates: 376
Acceptance: 76.3%
#6
M

Marymount University

Arlington, VA · Private

$39,369
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,506
Graduates: 18
Acceptance: 80.5%
#7
C

Christopher Newport University

Newport News, VA · Public

$36,668
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,363
Graduates: 115
Acceptance: 88.0%
#8
L

Longwood University

Farmville, VA · Public

$34,633
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 84.8%
#9
R

Radford University

Radford, VA · Public

$34,467
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,483
Graduates: 100
Acceptance: 90.6%
#10
V

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public

$33,300
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,961
Graduates: 374
Acceptance: 93.1%
#11
U

University of Lynchburg

Lynchburg, VA · Private

$31,133
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $24,790
Graduates: 43
Acceptance: 82.2%
#12
L

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA · Private

$30,080
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,014
Graduates: 122
Acceptance: 99.3%
#13
B

Bridgewater College

Bridgewater, VA · Private

$29,685
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,542
Graduates: 28
Acceptance: 90.8%
#14
R

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private

$28,598
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $21,849
Graduates: 69
Acceptance: 41.2%
#15
V

Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Beach, VA · Private

$28,598
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 71.3%
#16
E

Emory & Henry University

Emory, VA · Private

$28,055
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 96.3%
#17
R

Roanoke College

Salem, VA · Private

$27,476
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $38,514
Graduates: 45
Acceptance: 80.1%
#18
U

University of Virginia's College at Wise

Wise, VA · Public

$26,896
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 93.9%
#19
V

Virginia State University

Petersburg, VA · Public

$25,615
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $21,298
Graduates: 120
Acceptance: 89.1%
#20
V

Virginia Union University

Richmond, VA · Private

$20,530
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $21,264
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 97.7%

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 $33,523 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.

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.