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Communication and Media Studies Colleges Under $20,000

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

Baruch College stands out with a $2,978 net cost and 72.10% graduation rate, making it one of the strongest performers among affordable Communication and Media Studies programs. The CUNY system dominates this list with eight schools offering net costs under $5,000, reflecting New York's commitment to accessible media education. These programs prepare students for careers in the nation's largest media market, where major networks, digital platforms, and advertising agencies create constant demand for skilled communicators. Earnings vary significantly across programs, from $22,923 at Texas A&M International to $39,663 at CUNY City College. California State schools in Carson and Los Angeles provide West Coast alternatives with acceptance rates above 85%, while Berea College offers the unusual combination of private education at $4,483 net cost. Florida State College Jacksonville provides the lowest tuition option at $2,878 for in-state students, though graduation rates reflect the challenges many community college transfer students face.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $8,365
Net Price Range
$30,931
Avg. Program Earnings
42.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
3 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
5 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
6 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
7 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
8 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
9 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
10 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
11 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
12 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
13 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
14 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
15 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
16 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
17 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
18 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
19 $5,804 $24,820 34.1%
20 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
21 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
22 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
23 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
24 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
25 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
26 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
27 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
28 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
29 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
30 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
31 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
32 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
33 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
34 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
35 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
36 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
37 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
38 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
39 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
40 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
41 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
42 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
43 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
44 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
45 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
46 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
47 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
48 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
49 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
50 $8,365 $7,050 35.5% 57.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for Communication and Media Studies?

Eight CUNY campuses offer Communication and Media Studies with net costs between $2,446 and $5,115. The system benefits from substantial state funding and serves students who qualify for significant financial aid. Hunter College delivers the lowest net cost at $2,446 while maintaining a 61% graduation rate and $33,993 median earnings.

How do graduation rates compare across these affordable programs?

Graduation rates span from 19.30% at Ohio University Southern to 72.10% at Baruch College. CUNY schools generally achieve rates between 30% and 72%, while California State campuses range from 47% to 53%. Regional campuses of major universities tend to have lower completion rates, reflecting their different student populations and mission.

Does earning potential justify the cost differences between these programs?

City College graduates earn $39,663 annually despite a $3,486 net cost, while Texas A&M International graduates earn $22,923 with similar costs. The location factor significantly impacts earnings, with New York and California programs generally producing higher-earning graduates. Student debt levels remain manageable, ranging from $7,500 at Baruch to $21,500 at Ohio regional campuses.

Where can students find the most accessible admission standards?

California State Dominguez Hills accepts 89% of applicants with a $3,659 net cost, making it highly accessible. Cal State Los Angeles admits 87% of students for similar costs. In contrast, Berea College accepts only 25% of applicants but offers strong value at $4,483 net cost for a private education.

What regional advantages do these affordable programs offer?

New York programs connect students to the largest media market in the country, with major networks and digital companies headquartered nearby. California schools provide access to entertainment industry internships and entry-level positions. Texas and Ohio programs serve growing regional markets with lower living costs, making the modest earnings more viable for recent graduates.

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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.