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Radio Colleges Under $20,000

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

Radio, television, and digital communication programs reveal striking cost variations across public institutions nationwide. CUNY Brooklyn College delivers strong value at just $2,943 net cost, while graduates from University of Florida earn $33,382 annually after completing their degrees. The field directly connects to America's $717 billion media and entertainment industry, which employs over 2.3 million workers across broadcasting, streaming platforms, and digital content creation. Public universities dominate the affordable market, with 14 of the 15 most budget-friendly programs coming from state institutions. California State University schools cluster in the $3,659 to $5,646 range, offering proximity to major media markets in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Ohio University's regional campuses present unique opportunities with identical $6,178 in-state tuition across five locations, though graduation rates vary dramatically from 12.1% to 20%. The earnings potential spans from $22,378 to over $33,000, reflecting the field's varied career paths from local broadcasting to digital media production.
50
Programs
$2,943 – $12,621
Net Price Range
$27,839
Avg. Program Earnings
49.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
2 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
3 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
4 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
5 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
6 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
7 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
8 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
9 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
10 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
11 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
12 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
13 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
14 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
15 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
16 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
17 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
18 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
19 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
20 $8,376 $9,590 43.8% 93.6%
21 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
22 $8,896 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
23 $8,931 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
24 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
25 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
26 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
27 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
28 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
29 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
30 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
31 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
32 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
33 $10,785 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
34 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
35 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
36 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
37 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
38 $11,504 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
39 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
40 $11,611 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
41 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
42 $11,987 $6,660 21.1%
43 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
44 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
45 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
46 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
47 $12,514 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
48 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
49 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
50 $12,621 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $3,700 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

The gap between CUNY Brooklyn College at $2,943 and Universidad Ana G. Mendez at $7,559 reflects institutional funding models rather than program quality. Public universities like CUNY receive substantial state support, reducing student costs significantly. Private institutions typically charge higher base tuition, though their net costs after aid can still remain reasonable. Geographic location also impacts expenses, with New York City schools often providing surprisingly affordable options due to strong state funding.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

Higher-cost programs don't guarantee better completion rates in radio, television, and digital communication. University of Florida achieves a 91.5% graduation rate at $6,351 net cost, while several Ohio University campuses maintain identical $6,178 tuition but show graduation rates from just 12.1% to 20%. CUNY schools demonstrate strong value with Brooklyn College reaching 56.6% graduation rates at the lowest national cost. The data suggests institutional support systems matter more than price alone.

Does geographic location affect earning potential for media graduates?

Regional job markets significantly impact graduate earnings in media fields. University of Florida graduates earn $33,382 annually, benefiting from the state's growing entertainment industry and proximity to major markets like Miami and Orlando. California State University graduates earn between $22,378 and $28,849, reflecting the competitive but high-volume Los Angeles media market. Indiana University-Kokomo graduates achieve $31,762 median earnings, suggesting strong regional broadcasting and digital media opportunities in the Midwest.

What makes CUNY programs particularly cost-effective for media studies?

CUNY schools offer the nation's lowest net costs for radio, television, and digital communication programs, with Brooklyn College at $2,943 and City College at $3,486. These institutions benefit from New York State's substantial higher education funding and serve large student populations, creating economies of scale. Their location provides direct access to major media markets, internship opportunities, and industry connections. Despite low costs, graduates achieve solid earning potential, with City College alumni earning $32,925 annually.

Is student debt manageable for graduates in this affordable program tier?

Most affordable radio, television, and digital communication programs generate reasonable debt loads relative to earning potential. University of Florida graduates carry just $15,000 in debt while earning over $33,000 annually. CUNY Brooklyn College produces graduates with only $10,588 in debt and $29,141 earnings, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. However, some Ohio University campuses report $23,654 average debt despite low graduation rates, highlighting the importance of completion for financial outcomes.

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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.