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 15.5 years to earn back what you spent
$Students on financial aid pay about $23,790/yr after grants & scholarships (varies by family income) — $102,995 total with loan interest

Listed Price

$32,040/yr

Starting Salary

$36,639

Finish Rate

86.3%

$32,040/yr

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

Students on financial aid pay $23,790/yr after grants & scholarships (saves $8,250/yr)

4 Years Total

$128,160

Typical Debt

$21,500

Interest You'd Owe

+$7,835

What You'd Really Pay

$102,995

That's about $244/month for 10 years after you graduate

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

Without college$300,000

Total cost of degree$102,995

Pays for Itself In

15.5 yrs

Salary Boost

+22%

Ahead After 10 Years

$263,395

How We Scored This

Salary vs. Cost27.7/40

Do you earn enough to justify the price?

Payoff Speed6.2/25

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.