Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University — Blacksburg, VA

Communication and Media Studies

at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University · Blacksburg, VA

Moderate Value

Could go either way

The Bottom Line

↑Grads earn about $36,639/yr starting out — that's 22% more than skipping college
⏱Takes about 16.7 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $25,808/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $110,702 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$39,324/yr

Starting Salary

$36,639

Finish Rate

85.9%

Household Income

$39,324/yr

Full sticker price — tuition, housing, and fees before any aid

Students on financial aid pay $25,808/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $13,516/yr)

4 Years Total

$157,296

Typical Debt

$20,500

Interest You'd Owe

+$7,470

What You'd Really Pay

$110,702

That's about $233/month for 10 years after you graduate

You'd earn (with degree)$366,390

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$110,702

Pays for Itself In

16.7 yrs

Salary Boost

+22%

Ahead After 10 Years

$255,688

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost24.5/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed4.6/25

How fast do you earn back what you spent?

Salary Boost3/20

How much more than skipping college?

Graduation Rate12.9/15

Will you actually finish?

Data from the U.S. Department of Education. Salaries are what recent grads typically earn — yours could be higher or lower.

Costs can change. These numbers don't adjust for where you live, and only cover students who used federal financial aid. Not financial advice.