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Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University delivers the lowest net cost for Communication and Media Studies at $10,026, while Vanderbilt graduates earn $41,937 annually - nearly double the earnings of most programs in the state. This 4-to-1 earnings gap reflects how institutional selectivity and alumni networks can dramatically impact career outcomes in media fields. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with seven schools offering net costs under $16,000, making Tennessee one of the most accessible states for communication degrees. The state's thriving music industry in Nashville, combined with major healthcare corporations like HCA and growing automotive manufacturing, creates varied career paths for media graduates. Tennessee Promise covering community college tuition also provides transfer pathways that can reduce overall degree costs. Graduation rates vary significantly, from 33% at Tennessee State to 92.7% at Vanderbilt, suggesting that value calculations must weigh completion likelihood against upfront affordability.
25
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$29,201
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,026 $30,650 $8,568 33.0%
2 $10,299 $25,774 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
3 $12,817 $31,702 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
4 $12,599 $28,515 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
5 $19,040 $41,937 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
6 $14,846 $28,960 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
7 $18,109 $35,307 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
8 $13,253 $25,194 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
9 $15,794 $28,055 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
10 $20,303 $24,035 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
11 $18,661 $20,596 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
12 $32,096 $29,685 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%
13 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
14 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
15 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
16 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
17 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
18 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
19 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
20 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
21 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
22 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
23 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
24 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
25 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between Tennessee communication programs?

Vanderbilt graduates earn $41,937 annually compared to $20,596 at Carson-Newman University, creating a $21,341 difference in starting salaries. This gap reflects institutional selectivity, with Vanderbilt accepting just 6.67% of applicants versus 79.78% at Carson-Newman. Alumni networks and employer perceptions also drive these differences, as Vanderbilt's national reputation opens doors to higher-paying markets. However, the higher net cost of $19,040 at Vanderbilt versus $18,661 at Carson-Newman means the private school premium may not always justify the earnings boost.

How do Tennessee's public universities compare for communication value?

Tennessee State offers the lowest net cost at $10,026 but has a 33% graduation rate, while UT-Knoxville costs $18,109 with a 73.5% graduation rate. UT-Martin provides middle ground at $10,299 net cost with 54.8% graduation rates and $25,774 earnings. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga delivers strong value with $12,817 net cost, 53.1% graduation rates, and $31,702 earnings - the highest among affordable public options.

Is the low graduation rate at Tennessee State University a concern?

Tennessee State's 33% graduation rate significantly trails other public options like UT-Martin at 54.8% and Middle Tennessee State at 54%. This means roughly two-thirds of students don't complete their degrees, potentially leaving them with debt but no credential. However, the $10,026 net cost represents genuine affordability for students who do graduate. The $30,650 earnings for completers exceed several pricier alternatives, making success valuable despite lower completion odds.

Does Tennessee's media industry create good job prospects for graduates?

Nashville's music industry, home to major labels and recording studios, provides natural career paths for media graduates in entertainment marketing, artist relations, and content creation. HCA Healthcare, one of the nation's largest hospital operators, needs communication professionals for public relations, internal communications, and digital marketing across its Tennessee facilities. The state's automotive manufacturing sector, including Nissan and General Motors plants, also requires corporate communication specialists. These varied industries help explain why UT-Knoxville graduates earn $35,307 despite the program's moderate selectivity.

Where can students find the best balance of cost and outcomes?

UT-Chattanooga offers compelling value with $12,817 net cost, 53.1% graduation rates, and $31,702 earnings - delivering higher pay than most Tennessee programs while maintaining affordability. Middle Tennessee State provides another solid option at $12,599 net cost with $28,515 earnings and reasonable 54% graduation rates. Both schools significantly outperform in earnings compared to similarly priced alternatives like University of Memphis, which costs $13,253 but produces $25,194 earnings.

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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.