Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis Colleges Under $20,000

Harvard University offers Cultural Studies at a net price of $16,816, placing it among the most affordable options despite its $59,076 sticker price. This reflects how elite private schools can become surprisingly accessible through financial aid. The field attracts students interested in analyzing media, technology, and social movements, skills increasingly valued by tech companies, nonprofits, and government agencies across the country. Program costs span from $9,104 at American Public University System to $18,998 at University of North Dakota. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Empire State University's 29.3% to Harvard's 97.3%, suggesting significant differences in student support and program structure.

Programs

$9,104 – $18,998

Net Price Range

$21,403

Avg. Program Earnings

63.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	American Public University System Charles Town, West Virginia	$9,104	$8,400	53.2%
2	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky	$10,916	$11,436	53.7%	97.0%
3	Empire State University Saratoga Springs, New York	$11,147	$7,630	29.3%
4	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, Arizona	$13,670	$12,051	67.8%	89.8%
5	Brigham Young University-Hawaii Laie, Hawaii	$13,884	$6,438	54.4%	34.2%
6	Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, Arizona	$14,922	$12,652	56.9%	80.0%
7	Harvard University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$16,816	$59,076	97.3%	3.2%
8	University of Mary Bismarck, North Dakota	$18,568	$21,468	68.2%	81.4%
9	Swarthmore College Swarthmore, Pennsylvania	$18,686	$62,412	94.1%	6.9%
10	University of North Dakota Grand Forks, North Dakota	$18,998	$10,951	63.3%	83.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate gap between schools?

Harvard achieves a 97.3% graduation rate compared to Empire State University's 29.3%, a difference of nearly 68 percentage points. This reflects variations in admission selectivity, student preparation, and institutional resources rather than program quality alone.

How do public and private school costs compare for this major?

Private schools like Brigham Young University-Hawaii offer net prices around $13,884, while public options like Western Kentucky University cost $10,916. However, Harvard's need-based aid brings its net cost to just $16,816 despite a $59,076 sticker price.

Where do Cultural Studies graduates typically find employment?

Graduates earn between $19,455 and $23,351 in early career positions at museums, media companies, research organizations, and cultural institutions. Northern Arizona University graduates represent the higher end at $23,351 annually.

Does acceptance rate affect program accessibility?

Western Kentucky University accepts 96.95% of applicants while Harvard admits just 3.24%, creating vastly different entry requirements. Arizona State University provides a middle ground with 89.75% acceptance and strong 67.8% graduation rates.

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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.