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Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges

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

The University of Texas Permian Basin stands out with the highest net cost at $9,144 yet delivers the strongest earnings potential at $52,107 for Communication and Media Studies graduates. This reflects the oil and gas industry's demand for corporate communications professionals in West Texas, where energy companies headquarter major operations. Meanwhile, CUNY Hunter College offers the lowest net cost at just $2,446, making quality media education accessible in one of the nation's largest media markets. The 20 best value programs range from $2,446 to $9,144 in net costs, with graduate earnings spanning $22,923 to $52,107. New York's media ecosystem, home to major networks, publishing houses, and digital platforms, creates strong employment pipelines for CUNY graduates despite their significantly lower program costs. California State Universities claim multiple spots on this list, benefiting from Hollywood proximity and tech industry growth that drives demand for multimedia specialists.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $14,099
Net Price Range
$34,532
Avg. Program Earnings
50.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $33,993 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $34,847 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $3,486 $39,663 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
4 $2,760 $27,476 $2,878 32.4%
5 $3,830 $35,518 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
6 $3,061 $22,923 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
7 $3,482 $25,658 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
8 $5,458 $38,289 $3,148 26.8%
9 $3,659 $24,615 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
10 $5,646 $37,057 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
11 $5,671 $35,060 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
12 $4,483 $27,590 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
13 $5,115 $30,616 $7,490 32.8%
14 $9,144 $52,107 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
15 $5,825 $32,282 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
16 $6,276 $34,704 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
17 $7,168 $37,399 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
18 $5,918 $30,336 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
19 $6,480 $31,346 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
20 $5,970 $28,598 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
21 $8,896 $41,592 $17,462 59.5% 97.9%
22 $7,599 $35,060 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
23 $8,463 $38,829 $6,270 40.7%
24 $8,257 $37,054 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
25 $6,500 $27,512 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
26 $7,131 $29,685 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
27 $8,001 $33,103 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
28 $6,199 $25,194 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
29 $9,173 $36,668 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
30 $10,017 $39,257 $12,817 62.3% 88.4%
31 $9,133 $35,372 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
32 $8,931 $34,559 $7,008 69.9% 40.0%
33 $8,624 $32,925 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
34 $8,916 $33,993 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
35 $8,837 $33,459 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
36 $8,364 $31,265 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
37 $11,276 $42,012 $7,055 45.5% 96.2%
38 $14,099 $51,273 $8,400 96.9%
39 $11,504 $41,592 $17,462 56.7% 97.4%
40 $10,898 $39,257 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
41 $9,477 $33,993 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
42 $9,082 $32,569 $8,179 45.4% 77.6%
43 $10,874 $38,721 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
44 $11,056 $39,369 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
45 $9,792 $34,170 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
46 $10,512 $36,007 $7,602 55.8% 93.2%
47 $7,360 $25,194 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
48 $12,882 $43,937 $7,424 50.1% 94.2%
49 $10,550 $35,535 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
50 $8,155 $27,346 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $26,661 earnings gap between the highest and lowest programs?

Regional job markets create significant salary differences for Communication and Media Studies graduates. The University of Texas Permian Basin graduates earn $52,107 annually, reflecting corporate communications roles in the energy sector. In contrast, Texas A&M International graduates in Laredo earn $22,923, where the local economy offers fewer high-paying media positions. Geographic location often matters more than program prestige for starting salaries.

How do CUNY schools compare to other public institutions on this list?

CUNY colleges dominate the lowest-cost tier with net prices between $2,446 and $5,115, yet maintain competitive graduation rates. CUNY Hunter achieves a 61% graduation rate at just $2,446 net cost, while California State Fullerton graduates 69.2% of students at $5,646. The New York schools benefit from internship opportunities at major media companies, helping offset their modest in-state tuition with strong industry connections.

Is Berea College worth considering despite higher costs than public options?

Berea College charges a $4,483 net price but offers unique value through its work-study program and 62% graduation rate. Every student receives a full tuition scholarship and works on campus, making the total experience cost competitive with public schools. With only a 24.58% acceptance rate, Berea maintains selectivity while serving students who might not otherwise afford private education.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality among these schools?

Acceptance rates vary widely from Berea's 24.58% to Cal State Stanislaus's 96.61%, but selectivity doesn't predict earnings outcomes. Cal State Fullerton accepts 66.72% of applicants yet graduates earn $37,057 annually with a strong 69.2% completion rate. Texas A&M International maintains similar selectivity to Berea at 47.88% but produces lower graduate earnings, showing that regional factors matter more than admissions standards.

Where do graduates find the best return on investment?

CUNY City College delivers strong value with $39,663 graduate earnings against a $3,486 net cost, creating nearly an 11:1 return ratio. Cal State Fullerton also performs well with $37,057 earnings at $5,646 cost. These programs benefit from proximity to major media markets where entry-level positions lead to career advancement opportunities that justify the investment over time.

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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.