Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Arkansas

Arkansas Tech University delivers the lowest net cost for Communication and Media Studies at $12,171, while Ouachita Baptist University graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $37,208. This $25,000 earnings gap reflects significant differences in program focus and career preparation across Arkansas's 15 communication programs. The state's media market benefits from Walmart's massive marketing operations in Bentonville, creating opportunities for corporate communication specialists and digital media professionals. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with five schools offering net costs below $17,000. However, private institutions like John Brown University achieve 66.8% graduation rates compared to public averages near 45%. Students can access quality programs ranging from $9,325 at University of Arkansas Grantham to $22,355 at Ouachita Baptist, making Arkansas an accessible choice for communication studies.

Programs

$9,325 – $22,355

Net Price Range

$28,947

Avg. Program Earnings

49.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Arkansas Fayetteville, Arkansas	$17,525	$35,772	$9,748	70.0%	78.9%
2	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas	$12,171	$22,572	$8,508	48.7%	94.4%
3	Arkansas State University Jonesboro, Arkansas	$13,085	$24,035	$7,754	55.1%	69.5%
4	University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas	$16,775	$28,960	$10,118	53.3%	91.2%
5	Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$22,355	$37,208	$32,480	70.3%	72.3%
6	University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, Arkansas	$16,136	$25,484	$8,455	41.4%	61.5%
7	John Brown University Siloam Springs, Arkansas	$21,144	$28,598	$30,832	66.8%	56.6%
8	University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, Arkansas	$11,679		$9,019	39.7%	69.3%
9	University of Arkansas at Monticello Monticello, Arkansas	$14,013		$8,868	43.3%
10	Central Baptist College Conway, Arkansas	$16,664		$19,680	35.3%	63.9%
11	Harding University Searcy, Arkansas	$20,579		$24,888	70.9%	45.1%
12	Henderson State University Arkadelphia, Arkansas	$16,929		$7,885	38.0%	70.7%
13	University of the Ozarks Clarksville, Arkansas	$13,630		$25,950	51.8%	60.1%
14	University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Fort Smith, Arkansas	$10,097		$6,906	37.0%
15	University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock, Arkansas	$9,325		$8,280	24.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $25,000 difference between lowest and highest graduate earnings?

Ouachita Baptist University graduates earn $37,208 while Arkansas Tech graduates start at $22,572, reflecting program specialization and alumni networks. Private institutions often emphasize strategic communication and corporate relations, aligning with higher-paying roles in marketing and public relations. Ouachita's 70.3% graduation rate also indicates stronger program completion, which correlates with better job placement outcomes.

How do public university costs compare to private options in Arkansas?

Public universities average around $13,000 in net costs, while private institutions range from $13,630 to $22,355. University of Arkansas offers the best public value at $17,525 net cost with $35,772 graduate earnings. Arkansas Tech provides the most affordable option at $12,171, though graduates earn significantly less than their University of Arkansas counterparts.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Arkansas communication programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with Ouachita Baptist (70.3%), Harding University (70.9%), and University of Arkansas (70%) leading graduation statistics. Budget options like University of Arkansas Grantham achieve only 24.3% graduation rates despite low $9,325 costs. Mid-range public universities typically graduate 40-55% of communication students within six years.

Where do Arkansas communication graduates find the best job opportunities?

Northwest Arkansas offers the strongest job market, anchored by Walmart's global headquarters requiring extensive marketing and communication staff. Tyson Foods and other Fortune 500 companies create additional corporate communication roles throughout the state. Little Rock provides media opportunities with television stations and advertising agencies, while the state's low cost of living helps entry-level salaries stretch further than in major metropolitan markets.

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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.