Skip to main content

Communication Colleges Under $20,000

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

Communication programs under $20,000 reveal surprising value patterns across public universities nationwide. Southeastern Oklahoma State University leads affordability at just $6,352 net cost, while West Virginia University delivers the highest graduate earnings at $36,848 annually. The 74% acceptance rate at Southeastern Oklahoma contrasts sharply with competitive programs like University of Michigan-Dearborn at 54%. These programs prepare students for America's expanding media market, where digital content creation and corporate communications drive demand in markets from Memphis to Minot. Graduation rates span from 24.7% at Le Moyne-Owen College to 79.2% at Augustana College, reflecting different institutional approaches to student support. Private options like Universidad del Sagrado Corazon offer unique cultural perspectives at $13,024 net cost. Public universities dominate this affordable tier, with most maintaining in-state tuition below $10,000. The range from $6,352 to $14,229 demonstrates how geographic location and state funding models create dramatically different price points for similar academic outcomes.
46
Programs
$6,352 – $19,678
Net Price Range
$33,583
Avg. Program Earnings
53.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

46 Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
2 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
3 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
4 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
5 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
6 $11,366 $5,970 35.4% 56.4%
7 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
8 $11,679 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
9 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
10 $12,514 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
11 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
12 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
13 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
14 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
15 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
16 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
17 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
18 $13,922 $4,432 25.6% 99.7%
19 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
20 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
21 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
22 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
23 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
24 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
25 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
26 $14,922 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
27 $15,026 $25,200 40.0% 51.4%
28 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
29 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
30 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
31 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
32 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
33 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
34 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
35 $17,546 $9,772 46.7% 89.3%
36 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
37 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
38 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
39 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
40 $18,285 $27,868 50.2% 95.2%
41 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
42 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
43 $18,464 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
44 $18,762 $33,660 68.6% 96.7%
45 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
46 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southeastern Oklahoma State University so affordable for communication majors?

Southeastern Oklahoma State achieves the lowest net cost at $6,352 through substantial state funding and relatively low operational expenses in Durant. The university maintains a 74% acceptance rate while keeping in-state tuition at just $7,200. However, the trade-off appears in the 33.3% graduation rate, suggesting students may need additional support to complete their programs successfully.

How do graduation rates vary among affordable communication programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 24.7% at Le Moyne-Owen College to 79.2% at Augustana College, a 54-percentage-point gap. Mid-range performers include Arkansas State University at 55.1% and Farmingdale State College at 57.1%. The data suggests private institutions like Augustana often provide more structured support systems despite similar program costs to public alternatives.

Does location affect earning potential for communication graduates?

Geographic factors significantly impact post-graduation earnings, with West Virginia University graduates earning $36,848 annually compared to the overall range starting at $23,649. Farmingdale State College graduates earn $36,560, likely benefiting from proximity to New York media markets. Rural programs may offer lower living costs during school but potentially limited local media job opportunities after graduation.

What distinguishes public from private communication programs under $20,000?

Public universities dominate this price range, with 12 of 15 schools being state institutions offering in-state tuition below $10,000. Private options like Augustana College command higher sticker prices at $49,834 but provide substantial aid bringing net costs to $12,437. Le Moyne-Owen College represents the most accessible private option at $8,992 net cost with a 99.56% acceptance rate.

Where do communication majors face the most competitive admissions?

University of Michigan-Dearborn maintains the most selective admissions at 54.1% acceptance rate among these affordable programs. Northwestern Oklahoma State follows at 56.4%, while Universidad del Sagrado Corazon accepts 55.2% of applicants. Most programs maintain relatively open admissions, with eight schools accepting over 85% of applicants, making communication studies accessible to varied student populations.

More Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Rankings

Cheapest Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Best Value Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other

Related

All Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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