Best Communication and Media Studies Schools in West Virginia

West Virginia has 5 colleges offering Communication and Media Studies programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 77 recent graduates. Graduates in West Virginia earn $26,387 on average within two years — 21% below the national average of $33,406. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

School choice matters significantly: Shepherd University graduates earn $32,284 while West Liberty University graduates earn $18,576 — a $13,708 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

5
Schools in WV
$26,387
WV Avg. Earnings
$33,406
National Avg.
777
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Communication and Media Studies in West Virginia

Public Schools (4)
$25,698
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (1)
$29,141
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $3,443 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Communication and Media Studies Schools in West Virginia, Ranked by Earnings

#1
Shepherd University logo

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV · Public

$32,284
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $26,309
Graduates: 31
Acceptance: 95.7%
#2
West Virginia State University logo

West Virginia State University

Institute, WV · Public

$26,739
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $23,227
Graduates: 29
Acceptance: 96.4%
#3
Bethany College logo

Bethany College

Bethany, WV · Private

$29,141
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,530
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 60.5%
#4
Marshall University logo

Marshall University

Huntington, WV · Public

$25,194
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 96.5%
#5
West Liberty University logo

West Liberty University

West Liberty, WV · Public

$18,576
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 72.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Communication and Media Studies in West Virginia?
Shepherd University ranks #1 for Communication and Media Studies in West Virginia with median graduate earnings of $32,284 within two years of graduation. There are 5 schools offering Communication and Media Studies programs in the state.
How much do Communication and Media Studies graduates earn in West Virginia?
Communication and Media Studies graduates in West Virginia earn an average of $26,387 within two years of graduation. This is 21% below the national average of $33,406 for this major.
What is the hardest Communication and Media Studies school to get into in West Virginia?
Bethany College is the most selective Communication and Media Studies program in West Virginia with an acceptance rate of 60.5%. The average acceptance rate across Communication and Media Studies programs in the state is 84.2%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Communication and Media Studies in West Virginia?
In West Virginia, private Communication and Media Studies programs produce average earnings of $29,141 vs $25,698 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 4 public and 1 private options in the state.

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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.