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Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Missouri

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

Missouri Southern State University delivers the state's most affordable Communication and Media Studies program at just $11,653 annually, though graduates earn $32,391 compared to William Jewell College's $38,337 top earnings figure. This $6,000 salary gap reflects different program approaches and student outcomes across Missouri's 15 communication programs. The field connects directly to Missouri's growing healthcare communications sector, where employers like BJC HealthCare and Cerner Corporation need skilled media professionals to manage patient outreach and corporate messaging. Public universities dominate the value conversation, with six schools offering net costs under $15,000. Truman State University stands out with a 68.40% graduation rate despite charging only $12,030 annually. Private institutions like Saint Louis University command $27,075 but deliver strong alumni networks in Missouri's major metro areas. The earnings range spans from $26,224 to $38,337, with most graduates finding opportunities in Springfield, Kansas City, and St. Louis media markets.
39
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$33,000
Avg. Program Earnings
54.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

39 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,837 $37,883 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
2 $12,030 $33,535 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
3 $11,653 $32,391 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
4 $12,323 $31,205 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
5 $14,824 $34,348 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
6 $15,336 $35,518 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
7 $16,602 $38,337 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
8 $14,532 $33,395 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
9 $12,638 $27,765 $9,800 39.8%
10 $19,889 $35,891 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
11 $18,516 $32,498 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
12 $16,939 $29,685 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
13 $17,502 $29,685 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
14 $27,075 $35,653 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
15 $26,047 $33,993 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
16 $26,196 $26,224 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
17 $23,277 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
18 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
19 $13,496 $8,506 55.0% 85.3%
20 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
21 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
22 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
23 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
24 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
25 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
26 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
27 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
28 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
29 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
30 $25,140 $9,400 70.0% 94.3%
31 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
32 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
33 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
34 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
35 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
36 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
37 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
38 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
39 $12,860 $13,692 52.6% 63.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Truman State University a top value for communication studies?

Truman State combines a low $12,030 net cost with the third-highest graduation rate at 68.40%. Graduates earn $33,535 annually while carrying manageable debt of $23,250. The selective 45.05% acceptance rate indicates strong academic standards that translate to career preparation.

How much do private communication programs cost compared to public options?

Private programs average $21,560 compared to public schools at $14,395, creating a $7,165 annual gap. Saint Louis University charges $27,075 but delivers 79.80% graduation rates. William Jewell College offers the highest graduate earnings at $38,337 for $16,602 annually, making it the strongest private value.

Is University of Missouri-Columbia worth the higher cost?

Mizzou charges $19,889 annually but delivers the state's highest graduation rate at 76.20%. Graduates earn $35,891 with moderate debt of $19,500. The journalism school's national reputation opens doors beyond Missouri's borders, justifying the premium over other public options.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Missouri?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with Saint Louis University leading at 79.80% for $27,075. However, Truman State breaks this pattern with 68.40% graduation rates at just $12,030. Missouri Southern's 99.48% acceptance rate corresponds with a 38.30% graduation rate, the state's lowest.

Where do Missouri communication graduates find the best job opportunities?

St. Louis and Kansas City offer the most media positions, with healthcare giants like BJC HealthCare and technology firms like Cerner driving demand. Agriculture communications roles exist throughout Missouri given Monsanto's presence. Springfield provides regional media opportunities, while Columbia leverages university media connections for internships and entry-level positions.

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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.