Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Georgia

DeVry University-Georgia graduates earn $42,123 annually, the highest among Communication and Media Studies programs in the state, despite carrying a hefty net cost of $30,243. This earnings premium reflects the growing demand for media professionals in Georgia's expanding film industry, which has generated over $4.4 billion in economic impact. Public universities dominate the value equation, with University of North Georgia offering the lowest net cost at just $10,785 while maintaining decent graduate earnings of $30,228. The University of Georgia stands out with an 87.20% graduation rate and $36,992 in earnings, justifying its $13,816 net cost through superior completion rates. Georgia's HOPE Scholarship significantly reduces costs for in-state students at public institutions, with some paying as little as $5,009 in annual tuition. The earnings range spans from $14,442 to $42,123, reflecting the varied career paths available to communication graduates in Atlanta's business districts and the state's growing logistics sector.

Programs

$10,145 – $35,949

Net Price Range

$30,044

Avg. Program Earnings

46.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$30,228	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
2	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$36,992	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
3	Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia	$10,145	$26,353	$5,068	35.4%	56.3%
4	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$28,547	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
5	Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia	$15,931	$35,748	$8,478	53.7%	66.8%
6	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$36,668	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
7	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$28,105	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
8	Albany State University Albany, Georgia	$14,251	$24,421	$5,934	22.8%
9	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350	$38,289	$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
10	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$24,615	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
11	Shorter University Rome, Georgia	$16,286	$24,035	$24,044	37.1%	97.5%
12	DeVry University-Georgia Decatur, Georgia	$30,243	$42,123	$17,488	36.4%	50.0%
13	Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia	$35,949	$14,442	$31,725	52.7%	60.0%
14	Oglethorpe University Atlanta, Georgia	$21,735		$45,806	53.9%	71.0%
15	Wesleyan College Macon, Georgia	$14,528		$27,650	60.6%	66.8%
16	Young Harris College Young Harris, Georgia	$11,008		$32,305	45.7%	77.3%
17	Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, Georgia	$20,133		$23,250	46.0%	68.0%
18	Reinhardt University Waleska, Georgia	$27,769		$28,420	35.6%	62.3%
19	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893		$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
20	Paine College Augusta, Georgia	$15,074		$14,596	21.7%	51.5%
21	Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia	$11,609		$5,392	45.2%	43.1%
22	Emory University Atlanta, Georgia	$23,911		$60,774	91.8%	11.4%
23	Emmanuel University Franklin Springs, Georgia	$19,297		$23,664	34.6%	62.7%
24	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889		$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
25	Brewton-Parker College Mount Vernon, Georgia	$21,983		$21,696	23.5%	94.8%
26	Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia	$20,786		$33,275	35.4%	86.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Communication graduates in Georgia?

Communication graduates see earnings ranging from $14,442 at Morehouse College to $42,123 at DeVry University-Georgia. This $27,681 difference reflects program focus, with DeVry emphasizing technical communication skills valued in Georgia's tech sector. University of Georgia and Kennesaw State graduates earn around $37,000, benefiting from strong alumni networks in Atlanta's media market. Career specialization and geographic location within the state significantly impact starting salaries.

How does the HOPE Scholarship affect Communication program costs in Georgia?

Georgia residents with a 3.0 GPA qualify for HOPE Scholarship coverage of tuition at public universities. This reduces costs dramatically, with University of North Georgia students paying just $5,009 in-state versus a $10,785 net price for out-of-state students. Clayton State offers similar savings at $5,068 in-state tuition. The scholarship makes Georgia's public Communication programs among the most affordable nationally, though private institutions like Mercer still cost $40,890 annually.

Is University of Georgia worth the higher cost for Communication studies?

University of Georgia charges $13,816 net cost but delivers an 87.20% graduation rate, far above the state average of 48%. Graduates earn $36,992 annually with only $17,250 in debt. The 42.55% acceptance rate indicates selectivity that translates to stronger alumni networks. Compared to cheaper alternatives like Clayton State at $10,145, UGA provides better completion odds and earning potential that justify the $3,671 cost difference.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Georgia Communication programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with Mercer University achieving 73.40% graduation at $22,350 net cost and UGA reaching 87.20% at $13,816. However, Clayton State breaks this pattern with a 35.40% graduation rate despite its low $10,145 cost. Albany State shows the lowest completion at 22.80% while charging $14,251. Students should weigh completion odds against debt levels when choosing programs.

Where do Communication graduates find the best job markets in Georgia?

Atlanta offers the strongest job market for Communication graduates, hosting major corporations, film production companies, and media outlets. Georgia State University students benefit from direct access to these employers through internships and networking events. The state's film industry generated over $4.4 billion in economic impact, creating opportunities in production, marketing, and digital media. Graduates also find positions in logistics communications, supporting Georgia's role as a Southeast distribution center.

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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.