Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Oregon

Portland State University stands out among Oregon's 17 Communication and Media Studies programs with the lowest net cost at $12,932 and the highest graduate earnings at $34,633. This combination delivers strong value in a state where program costs range from under $13,000 to over $36,000. Oregon's media market benefits from Portland's position as a Pacific Northwest media center, with companies like Nike's marketing divisions and Portland's independent film scene creating opportunities for communication graduates. The earnings gap between programs is notably narrow, spanning just $6,106 from $28,598 to $34,704, suggesting consistent industry demand across the state. Public universities dominate the value equation, with five of the six most affordable options being state schools. However, graduation rates tell a different story, ranging from Eastern Oregon's 36.6% to University of Portland's 80.4%, indicating that program completion varies significantly despite similar career outcomes.

Programs

$12,932 – $36,371

Net Price Range

$31,584

Avg. Program Earnings

62.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932	$34,633	$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
2	Southern Oregon University Ashland, Oregon	$16,470	$31,042	$12,093	44.2%	88.0%
3	Western Oregon University Monmouth, Oregon	$18,290	$32,467	$11,025	44.8%	83.4%
4	Oregon State University-Cascades Campus Bend, Oregon	$17,722	$30,771	$12,594	51.2%	79.0%
5	Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon	$19,568	$30,771	$13,494	70.6%	82.5%
6	Linfield University McMinnville, Oregon	$27,341	$28,598	$49,530	65.2%	88.7%
7	Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon	$36,084	$34,704	$62,350	71.2%	68.6%
8	University of Portland Portland, Oregon	$36,371	$29,685	$54,900	80.4%	92.5%
9	Pacific University Forest Grove, Oregon	$35,350		$54,466	64.8%	92.3%
10	Willamette University Salem, Oregon	$23,663		$48,268	72.7%	80.6%
11	Corban University Salem, Oregon	$25,525		$37,208	61.0%	34.8%
12	Warner Pacific University Portland, Oregon	$18,818		$21,010	82.1%	72.3%
13	Eastern Oregon University La Grande, Oregon	$15,987		$10,671	36.6%	98.5%
14	University of Oregon Eugene, Oregon	$21,782		$15,669	71.5%	86.3%
15	Oregon Institute of Technology Klamath Falls, Oregon	$16,391		$12,687	59.1%	92.6%
16	Bushnell University Eugene, Oregon	$23,520		$34,740	61.8%	66.9%
17	George Fox University Newberg, Oregon	$29,981		$40,940	68.7%	91.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Portland State University the best value for Communication and Media Studies in Oregon?

Portland State combines the state's lowest net cost of $12,932 with the highest graduate earnings of $34,633, creating an impressive return on investment. The university's 53.1% graduation rate falls in the middle range, while its 93.09% acceptance rate makes it accessible to most students. Its Portland location provides direct access to Oregon's largest media market and corporate communication opportunities.

How do public and private Communication and Media Studies programs compare in Oregon?

Public programs cost significantly less, with net prices ranging from $12,932 to $21,782, while private schools span $18,818 to $36,371. Graduate earnings remain relatively consistent across both sectors, with most programs producing graduates earning between $28,598 and $34,704. Private schools like University of Portland achieve higher graduation rates at 80.4%, but public options like Oregon State University also reach 70.6%.

Is the earnings potential similar across Oregon Communication programs regardless of cost?

Graduate earnings show remarkable consistency across Oregon's Communication and Media Studies programs, varying by only $6,106 from lowest to highest. Even the most expensive program at University of Portland produces graduates earning $29,685, while much more affordable Portland State graduates earn $34,633. This narrow range suggests strong regional demand for communication professionals regardless of where they studied.

Does program selectivity affect value in Oregon Communication and Media Studies?

Oregon's Communication programs maintain high acceptance rates, with most above 80% and several exceeding 90%. The most selective program, Corban University at 34.77%, doesn't necessarily produce higher earnings than more accessible options. Eastern Oregon University accepts 98.52% of applicants but has the lowest graduation rate at 36.6%, suggesting accessibility doesn't guarantee completion.

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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.