Skip to main content

Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Worcester State University delivers strong value in Massachusetts Communication and Media Studies programs, charging just $14,738 net annually while graduates earn $34,420 within six years of completion. This stark contrast becomes even more apparent when compared to elite Boston institutions like Northeastern University, where students pay $32,116 but earn significantly more at $49,868 post-graduation. The state's concentration of media companies, from Boston Globe Media to public broadcasting stations like WGBH, creates strong internship and entry-level opportunities for communication graduates. Public universities across Massachusetts maintain remarkably similar graduation rates between 51-55%, suggesting consistent program quality regardless of cost differences. Boston University stands out with a 90% graduation rate and $47,620 median earnings, though students invest $26,996 annually. The regional advantage extends beyond traditional media, as Massachusetts leads in digital marketing agencies and healthcare communication roles, sectors that actively recruit from local programs.
36
Programs
$14,738 – $46,766
Net Price Range
$36,925
Avg. Program Earnings
64.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,738 $34,420 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
2 $18,282 $39,729 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
3 $15,432 $32,925 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
4 $18,441 $35,653 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
5 $17,970 $34,554 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
6 $26,996 $47,620 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
7 $18,561 $32,257 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
8 $23,691 $40,269 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
9 $25,702 $39,927 $35,013 28.4% 74.2%
10 $32,116 $49,868 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
11 $24,944 $37,808 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
12 $29,969 $41,058 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
13 $27,313 $37,208 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
14 $28,853 $36,668 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
15 $30,031 $37,110 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
16 $24,817 $30,228 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
17 $31,569 $37,748 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
18 $39,866 $46,940 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
19 $27,711 $32,391 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
20 $31,805 $36,141 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
21 $39,324 $41,406 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
22 $29,504 $30,672 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
23 $37,899 $38,289 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
24 $25,299 $24,035 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
25 $46,766 $28,212 $55,392 79.3% 42.8%
26 $18,707 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
27 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
28 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
29 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
30 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
31 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
32 $30,236 $44,960 43.2% 76.0%
33 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
34 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
35 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
36 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $32,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paid graduates?

Northeastern University graduates earn $49,868 compared to Westfield State's $32,257, reflecting both institutional networks and program focus. Northeastern's co-op program places students in high-paying Boston media companies and tech firms. The university's 6.8% acceptance rate also means graduates compete in more selective job markets. Geographic location plays a role, as Boston-area schools typically see higher starting salaries than graduates from western Massachusetts programs.

How do public university costs compare across the state's regions?

In-state tuition ranges from $11,046 at Fitchburg State to $17,357 at UMass Amherst, a difference of over $6,000 annually. Net costs after aid show less variation, spanning $14,738 to $23,691 among public options. UMass Amherst justifies higher costs with an 83.2% graduation rate and $40,269 median earnings. Western Massachusetts schools like Westfield State offer the lowest total costs but may limit access to Boston's media internships.

Is the debt burden manageable for Communication and Media Studies graduates?

Average debt loads range from $20,149 at Worcester State to $27,375 at Fisher College, representing reasonable borrowing levels given earning potential. Most graduates carry debt between $23,000-$25,000, which aligns with national averages for the field. Boston University graduates earn $47,620 annually while carrying $23,250 in debt, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. The state's MassGrant Plus program helps reduce borrowing for middle-income families at public institutions.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in Massachusetts communication programs?

Acceptance rates span from Northeastern's selective 6.8% to Salem State's accessible 92.7%, but graduation rates tell a different story about student success. Boston University and Northeastern both maintain 90% graduation rates despite vastly different selectivity levels. Public universities cluster around 80-90% acceptance rates with 50-55% graduation rates, suggesting consistent academic standards. Highly selective programs often correlate with stronger alumni networks and internship placement rates in competitive Boston media markets.

Where do Massachusetts communication graduates find the best career opportunities?

Boston's media market includes major employers like The Boston Globe, WCVB-TV, and digital agencies serving the city's biotech and healthcare sectors. Graduates from Boston-area schools report higher starting salaries, with Boston University and Northeastern alumni earning $47,000+ annually. Western Massachusetts offers opportunities in Springfield's media market and Pioneer Valley's nonprofit communications sector. The state's concentration of hospitals and universities creates steady demand for internal communications and public relations professionals across all regions.

More Communication and Media Studies Rankings

Cheapest Communication and Media Studies in Massachusetts Communication and Media Studies Under $20,000 in Massachusetts

Related

All Communication and Media Studies Programs Best Colleges in Massachusetts Best Communication and Media Studies in Massachusetts

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.