Communication and Media Studies at University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
46
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,368/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 7.9x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #28 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 5%

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 $685K $660K $582K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.2x 7.9x 6.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 2.8x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 46

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$83,944
Out-of-state: $232,056 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$91,524
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,620
68% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $47,368 per year, Communication and Media Studies graduates from University of Virginia-Main Campus significantly outpace the $35,147 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

A 7.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication and Media Studies career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $20,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

University of Virginia-Main Campus ranks #28 among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $47,368-to-$79,620 earnings arc over five years reflects a 68% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Virginia-Main Campus

A 17% acceptance rate puts University of Virginia-Main Campus in competitive admissions territory, enrolling 17,315 students in Charlottesville, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Virginia-Main Campus →

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

Communication and Media Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Virginia-Main Campus

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 does a 53/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at University of Virginia-Main Campus?
At 53/100, University of Virginia-Main Campus's Communication and Media Studies program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at University of Virginia-Main Campus?
The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Virginia-Main Campus one of the best schools for Communication and Media Studies?
Among 613 Communication and Media Studies programs, University of Virginia-Main Campus's #28 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →