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Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

California State University-Dominguez Hills stands out among audiovisual communications programs with a net cost of just $3,659, making it nearly $4,000 cheaper than the next most affordable option. This dramatic cost difference reflects the strength of California's public education funding for in-state students pursuing technical media careers. The field connects directly to the nation's $43 billion film and video industry, which employs over 350,000 professionals across production, post-production, and broadcast facilities. Graduation rates across these 20 programs range from 21% to 82%, with Brigham Young University leading at the top end despite a moderate net cost of $14,487. Earnings potential varies significantly, from $10,463 at University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo to $32,569 at American InterContinental University. The gap between lowest and highest net costs spans nearly $13,000, with public institutions generally offering better value for students entering this hands-on technical field.
28
Programs
$3,659 – $19,685
Net Price Range
$27,079
Avg. Program Earnings
51.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
3 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
4 $7,755 $4,197 34.0%
5 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
6 $11,759 $5,324 50.7% 60.0%
7 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
8 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
9 $13,980 $28,670 31.0% 78.2%
10 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
11 $14,449 $12,310 21.2%
12 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
13 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
14 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
15 $15,355 $12,330 22.6%
16 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
17 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
18 $15,898 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
19 $16,438 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
20 $16,547 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
21 $16,791 $11,306 67.6% 78.6%
22 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
23 $18,161 $63,340 94.6% 7.3%
24 $18,609 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
25 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
26 $18,990 $8,522 37.5% 69.9%
27 $19,335 $8,999 38.1% 86.5%
28 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes California State University-Dominguez Hills such an affordable option for audiovisual studies?

The university charges a net cost of just $3,659, which is $4,096 less than the second-cheapest option on this list. California's solid state funding for public universities helps keep costs low for residents. The school maintains an 89% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most qualified applicants while delivering significant cost savings.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points in audiovisual programs?

Higher-cost programs don't necessarily produce better graduation outcomes. Brigham Young University achieves an 82% graduation rate at $14,487 net cost, while American InterContinental University graduates only 21% of students despite charging $14,449. College of the Ozarks delivers a solid 61% graduation rate for $7,669, proving that mid-range options can offer strong student success rates.

Is there a significant earnings difference between public and private audiovisual programs?

Private American InterContinental University leads in graduate earnings at $32,569, followed closely by public Ferris State University at $30,409. However, public SUNY Buffalo State delivers $28,598 in graduate earnings for a much lower net cost of $14,229. The data shows that school type matters less than program quality and regional job markets for determining graduate outcomes.

Does geographic location affect both costs and career prospects for audiovisual students?

Regional differences are substantial across this field. Puerto Rico campuses offer the lowest costs but also the lowest earnings, with University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo graduates earning $10,463 annually. Western and Midwest schools tend to balance moderate costs with stronger earnings potential. Utah Valley University charges $8,463 net cost and maintains a 41% graduation rate, reflecting the region's growing tech and media presence.

Where can students find the best value combination of low costs and strong outcomes?

Ferris State University offers strong value with graduate earnings of $30,409 for a net cost of $12,202, though graduates carry $21,997 in debt on average. College of the Ozarks provides another strong option at $7,669 net cost with a 61% graduation rate. California State University-Dominguez Hills delivers unmatched affordability at $3,659, making it ideal for cost-conscious students despite limited earnings data.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.