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Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in South Carolina

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

Communication and Media Studies programs in South Carolina show dramatic variation in both cost and career outcomes, with net prices spanning from $11,611 at USC Aiken to $29,997 at Furman University. While Furman graduates command the highest salaries at $40,140 annually, several public universities deliver strong returns at much lower costs. College of Charleston stands out with graduates earning $36,460 while maintaining a reasonable net price of $19,518. The state's expanding media market benefits from major employers like BMW's North American headquarters, which requires extensive communications support, plus Charleston's growing film production scene that has attracted productions from major studios. South Carolina's LIFE Scholarship program provides up to $5,000 for in-state students, making already affordable public options even more attractive. Graduation rates vary significantly across programs, from 21.10% at Benedict College to 81.50% at Furman, suggesting that institutional support plays a major role in student success. For students balancing cost with career prospects, the data reveals several sweet spots where moderate investments yield strong salary potential.
25
Programs
$11,611 – $29,997
Net Price Range
$28,535
Avg. Program Earnings
49.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,611 $30,650 $10,760 40.1% 75.6%
2 $13,742 $31,205 $11,640 50.8% 78.6%
3 $13,725 $26,585 $11,583 42.4% 78.6%
4 $13,451 $25,194 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
5 $19,518 $36,460 $12,978 65.0% 75.7%
6 $18,045 $32,925 $31,854 34.6% 94.1%
7 $15,309 $27,150 $10,730 38.6% 80.0%
8 $16,353 $27,590 $15,956 61.2% 69.8%
9 $23,650 $33,993 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
10 $17,781 $25,194 $18,000 21.1% 67.8%
11 $29,997 $40,140 $58,312 81.5% 67.0%
12 $21,955 $28,598 $31,030 48.6% 86.8%
13 $18,268 $23,340 $11,060 29.4% 83.9%
14 $21,232 $25,194 $17,046 49.1% 78.0%
15 $21,660 $24,035 $27,900 65.5% 48.2%
16 $19,968 $18,309 $27,870 52.0% 51.2%
17 $14,501 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
18 $20,415 $27,500 27.6% 89.5%
19 $20,375 $16,224 20.4%
20 $20,351 $30,050 44.4% 75.3%
21 $20,612 $24,650 54.9% 76.1%
22 $24,532 $12,688 77.7% 64.1%
23 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
24 $15,411 $12,630 37.8%
25 $28,183 $33,580 71.0% 45.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes USC Aiken the most affordable option for Communication and Media Studies?

USC Aiken offers the lowest net price at $11,611 with an in-state tuition of just $10,760. Graduates earn a median salary of $30,650, which represents solid value given the minimal debt load of $25,802. The acceptance rate of 75.62% provides reasonable admission prospects for qualified students.

How do private college outcomes compare to public universities in this field?

Private colleges show mixed results, with Furman leading at $40,140 in graduate earnings but costing $29,997 net. Coker University offers a middle ground at $18,045 net price with $32,925 graduate earnings. However, several private schools like Benedict College show concerning graduation rates below 25%, despite significant financial investment.

Does College of Charleston justify its higher cost among public options?

College of Charleston charges $19,518 net but delivers the second-highest graduate earnings at $36,460 among all schools listed. The 65% graduation rate significantly exceeds most competitors, and graduates carry relatively low debt at $21,500. This combination suggests strong institutional support and career preparation.

Where do Communication and Media Studies graduates find employment in South Carolina?

South Carolina's automotive sector, anchored by BMW and Volvo manufacturing, requires extensive corporate communications teams. The state's growing tourism industry, particularly in Charleston and Myrtle Beach areas, creates demand for marketing and media professionals. Charleston's emerging film production scene also provides opportunities in entertainment media and digital content creation.

What graduation rate patterns emerge across different price ranges?

Higher-priced programs generally show better graduation rates, with Furman at 81.50% leading all schools. However, public universities like College of Charleston achieve 65% graduation rates while maintaining moderate costs. Several lower-cost options like USC Beaufort and Francis Marion hover around 40% graduation rates, indicating potential retention challenges.

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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.