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Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands out among Kentucky's communication programs by charging students just $4,483 net cost while maintaining a 62% graduation rate and $27,590 median earnings. This dramatic difference from typical private education costs creates an unusual value market where the state's most affordable option comes from the private sector rather than public universities. Northern Kentucky University leads in post-graduation earnings at $37,399, reflecting the school's proximity to Cincinnati's media market and strong connections to regional employers. Kentucky's media industry benefits from the state's position as a logistics center, with UPS's Worldport facility in Louisville creating demand for corporate communications professionals. The bourbon industry also drives marketing and brand management opportunities throughout the state. Public universities like Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky offer competitive net costs around $10,000, while private options range dramatically from Berea's unique model to Kentucky Wesleyan's $36,431 price point. Graduation rates vary significantly across programs, from 26% at Alice Lloyd College to nearly 70% at the University of Kentucky, suggesting substantial differences in student support and program structure.
21
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$30,790
Avg. Program Earnings
50.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $27,590 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $37,399 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $10,089 $32,124 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
4 $9,962 $30,771 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
5 $10,916 $28,960 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
6 $13,811 $28,960 $27,274 38.1%
7 $13,485 $27,584 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
8 $17,218 $34,348 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
9 $17,634 $33,993 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
10 $13,591 $22,880 $24,150 39.1%
11 $23,587 $35,729 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
12 $20,428 $29,141 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
13 $9,904 $10,060 35.7% 45.0%
14 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%
15 $17,839 $14,080 26.4% 98.3%
16 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
17 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
18 $24,264 $27,850 57.3% 97.6%
19 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
20 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
21 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College's communication program such an strong value?

Berea College charges just $4,483 in net costs while maintaining a 62% graduation rate, making it the most affordable communication program in Kentucky by a significant margin. The school's work-study model allows students to graduate with minimal debt while gaining practical experience. Despite the low cost, graduates earn a median of $27,590, which compares favorably to programs costing significantly more.

How do public university costs compare to private options for communication studies?

Public universities in Kentucky charge between $7,168 and $17,634 in net costs for communication programs, with Northern Kentucky University offering the best earnings potential at $37,399 median salary. Private schools range from Berea's unique $4,483 to Kentucky Wesleyan's $36,431, creating an eight-fold difference in costs. Most public options cluster around $10,000-$11,000 in net costs, making them accessible alternatives to higher-priced private programs.

Does Northern Kentucky University justify its higher public school cost?

Northern Kentucky University's $7,168 net cost produces the highest median earnings in the state at $37,399, representing strong return on investment for communication graduates. The school's 86% acceptance rate and 48% graduation rate indicate accessible admission but mixed retention outcomes. Its proximity to Cincinnati provides students access to major media markets and corporate communications opportunities that may explain the higher earning potential.

What role does Kentucky's business market play in communication career prospects?

Kentucky hosts major employers like UPS's Worldport center in Louisville, Toyota's manufacturing operations, and Humana's healthcare services, all requiring skilled communication professionals. The state's bourbon industry creates unique marketing and brand management opportunities for media graduates. These varied industries help explain why Northern Kentucky University graduates earn $37,399 median salaries, as the Cincinnati metro area provides access to multiple corporate communication roles.

Is graduation rate a reliable indicator of program quality in Kentucky communication programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 26% at Alice Lloyd College to 69% at the University of Kentucky, suggesting significant differences in student support and academic rigor. Berea College achieves a 62% graduation rate despite its $4,483 cost, indicating that low price doesn't necessarily correlate with poor outcomes. Private schools show mixed results, with some like Asbury University reaching 65% while others like University of Pikeville manage only 39% completion 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.