Film & Media Studies Degree in Richmond, VA — Salary & ROI 2026
Film & Media Studies degree analysis for Richmond, VA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$50K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$60K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6.8 yrs
in Richmond
Cost of Living
100
index (100 = avg)
Film & Media Studies in Richmond, VA Overview
Richmond, Virginia (pop. 226,610) has 11 colleges offering Film & Media Studies programs. The local cost of living index of 100 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $737/month. Film & Media Studies enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Cinematography and Editing. The adjusted starting salary in Richmond is approximately $50,000.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
11
Public Tuition
$14,676/yr
Private Tuition
$58,570/yr
Room & Board
$10,932/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$9,068/yr
Unemployment
5.7%
Graduation Rate
65%
Film & Media Studies Salary in Richmond (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Richmond's cost of living index of 100 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Film & Media Studies salary: $50,000 starting, $60,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Richmond adjustment factor: 1.00x based on the local cost of living index.
Film & Media Studies ROI Calculator for Richmond
Estimate your return on investment for a Film & Media Studies degree using local Richmond tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $14,676 | Private avg: $58,570
Richmond avg aid: $9,068/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$102,432
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$15,000
vs HS diploma in Richmond
ROI Payback Period
6.8 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Richmond
$97,568
Lifetime earnings premium ($200,000) minus total education cost ($102,432)
Student Loan Payoff for Film & Media Studies in Richmond
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Richmond for Film & Media Studies
Virginia Commonwealth University
public
$14,676/yr
$58,704 total
University of Richmond
private
$58,570/yr
$234,280 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Reynolds Community College
$5,340/yr
Top Employers for Film & Media Studies in Richmond
Richmond offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Film & Media Studies graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Richmond Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Film & Media Studies Job Titles
Film & Media Studies in Nearby Virginia Cities
Virginia Beach, VA
$44K starting · COL 88
13 colleges
Chesapeake, VA
$46K starting · COL 91
12 colleges
Arlington, VA
$71K starting · COL 142.5
9 colleges
Norfolk, VA
$47K starting · COL 93
16 colleges
Newport News, VA
$46K starting · COL 92.5
7 colleges
Alexandria, VA
$51K starting · COL 102
8 colleges
Hampton, VA
$49K starting · COL 97
7 colleges
Roanoke, VA
$44K starting · COL 88.5
4 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Richmond
UX Design
$50K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Architecture
$58K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Animation & Game Design
$50K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Industrial Design
$50K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Graphic Design
$48K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Interior Design
$50K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Fashion Design
$50K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Fine Arts
$50K starting · 9 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Film & Media Studies degree outcomes in Richmond, VA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.
- Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Film & Media Studies programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Virginia.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Richmond using regional CPI data.
- 10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
- Job market outlook for Film & Media Studies graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
- Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Film & Media Studies career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Film & Media Studies grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release
Financial Aid Resources for Richmond Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Virginia students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Virginia programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "virginia higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Film & Media Studies Degree in Richmond — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Film & Media Studies ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Richmond.