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Best Value Business/Corporate Communications Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Business and corporate communications programs show remarkable cost variation, with CUNY Baruch College delivering the field's strongest value proposition at just $2,978 net cost while producing graduates earning $43,969 annually. This represents a particularly strong return in New York's competitive communications market, where media conglomerates, financial firms, and corporate headquarters create abundant opportunities for skilled communicators. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans over $22,000, with National University graduates commanding $52,107 compared to $29,685 at Chestnut Hill College. Public institutions dominate the lower cost brackets, though private colleges like Saint Leo University at $18,467 net cost challenge the typical pricing assumptions. The acceptance rate spread tells an equally compelling story, ranging from Baruch's selective 49.53% to North Dakota State's nearly open 95.68% admission rate.
50
Programs
$2,978 – $50,168
Net Price Range
$39,771
Avg. Program Earnings
59.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Business/Corporate Communications Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,978 $43,969 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
2 $13,853 $45,767 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
3 $14,714 $39,618 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
4 $16,334 $39,729 $10,857 63.7% 95.7%
5 $18,902 $41,193 $38,520 62.5% 90.8%
6 $20,152 $35,274 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
7 $31,058 $52,107 $13,320 50.0%
8 $26,539 $44,170 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
9 $20,004 $33,138 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
10 $18,467 $30,228 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
11 $24,723 $35,060 $39,190 75.6% 65.8%
12 $38,787 $51,482 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
13 $26,806 $34,704 $39,708 66.4% 84.1%
14 $34,978 $36,907 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
15 $29,944 $29,685 $39,410 56.1% 98.2%
16 $47,527 $42,682 $62,784 80.4% 72.5%
17 $50,168 $40,402 $43,550 73.8% 81.9%
18 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
19 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
20 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
21 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
22 $29,237 $48,700 80.1% 87.2%
23 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
24 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
25 $18,295 $34,390 58.9% 69.5%
26 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
27 $26,827 $31,466 28.4% 52.1%
28 $20,579 $24,888 70.9% 45.1%
29 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
30 $10,442 $8,300 50.9%
31 $24,666 $42,834 68.5% 80.8%
32 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
33 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
34 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
35 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
36 $21,616 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
37 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
38 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
39 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
40 $37,109 $42,550 60.8% 96.3%
41 $18,568 $21,468 68.2% 81.4%
42 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
43 $31,065 $40,375 63.6% 84.9%
44 $24,783 $38,670 77.4% 74.2%
45 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
46 $21,019 $24,842 39.4% 67.5%
47 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
48 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
49 $24,016 $39,330 64.1% 90.8%
50 $20,129 $21,600 37.4% 57.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Baruch College such an strong value for business communications?

Baruch College combines the lowest net cost at $2,978 with strong graduate earnings of $43,969, creating an unmatched return on investment. The school maintains selectivity with a 49.53% acceptance rate while achieving a solid 72.10% graduation rate. Students graduate with minimal debt at $11,640, positioning them well in New York's competitive job market.

How do public universities compare to private colleges in this field?

Public institutions dominate the most affordable options, with University of Houston at $13,853 and Wisconsin-River Falls at $14,714 net costs. However, some private colleges like Saint Leo University at $18,467 compete directly with public pricing. The earnings advantage often goes to private institutions, with Bentley University graduates earning $51,482 compared to most public school graduates in the $39,000-$45,000 range.

Is the graduation rate significantly different between expensive and affordable programs?

Graduation rates vary more by institutional selectivity than cost, with Bentley University achieving 88.20% despite its $38,787 net price. Baruch College maintains 72.10% at the lowest cost point, while some expensive options like Roosevelt University manage only 41.00%. North Dakota State delivers 63.70% graduation rates at just $16,334 net cost, showing that affordability doesn't sacrifice completion rates.

Does geographic location impact earnings potential for communications graduates?

Regional job markets create significant earnings variations, with National University in San Diego producing the highest earners at $52,107 annually. New York-based Baruch graduates earn $43,969, reflecting the city's media and corporate concentration. Graduates from smaller markets like River Falls, Wisconsin earn $39,618, though their lower living costs and $14,714 program cost offset the salary difference.

Where should students look for the best debt-to-income ratios?

The strongest debt-to-income scenarios appear at public universities and selective private colleges. Baruch College produces the best ratio with $11,640 debt against $43,969 earnings, while Roosevelt University offers $15,500 debt with $35,274 income. Students should avoid programs where debt exceeds 60% of first-year earnings, which eliminates several options despite their strong 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.