Best Value Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin communication programs show a striking $16,527 difference between the most affordable option at UW-Parkside ($10,044) and pricier alternatives like Edgewood College ($25,634). The state's 15 Communication and Media Studies programs reflect Wisconsin's media market, where companies like Epic Systems and GE Healthcare drive demand for skilled communicators who can translate complex technical information. UW-Madison stands out with an 89.30% graduation rate despite accepting fewer than half of applicants at 49.06%. Public universities dominate the value conversation, with UW-Whitewater graduates earning $37,856 annually while keeping net costs under $15,000. Lakeland University produces the highest-earning graduates at $42,682, though students pay significantly more upfront. The Wisconsin Grant provides important support for in-state students navigating these programs, making public options particularly attractive for families seeking strong returns on educational investment.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$35,320

Avg. Program Earnings

61.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$26,353	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
2	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$37,856	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
3	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405	$34,230	$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
4	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722	$41,937	$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
5	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$32,257	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
6	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714	$35,518	$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
7	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$37,067	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
8	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$35,416	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
9	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$31,314	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
10	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$35,365	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
11	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$36,697	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
12	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$35,891	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
13	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092	$42,682	$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
14	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315	$39,009	$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
15	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634	$40,647	$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
16	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$36,488	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
17	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674	$35,914	$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
18	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295	$25,194	$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
19	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$32,563	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
20	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$33,993	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%
21	Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, Wisconsin	$24,659		$20,280	65.7%	75.1%
22	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067		$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
23	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341		$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
24	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176		$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
25	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754		$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
26	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924		$58,554	67.2%	65.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UW-Madison's communication program worth the competitive admission process?

UW-Madison accepts only 49.06% of applicants but delivers an strong 89.30% graduation rate, the highest among Wisconsin communication programs. Graduates earn $35,891 annually with relatively low debt of $20,500. The program's selectivity reflects its academic rigor and strong industry connections throughout the state.

How do private college communication graduates compare financially to public university students?

Private college graduates typically earn more, with Lakeland University leading at $42,682 and Alverno College following at $41,937. However, private programs cost significantly more, with net prices ranging from $16,722 to $25,634. Public university graduates earn between $26,353 and $37,856 while paying substantially less for their education.

Is UW-Parkside's low cost worth considering despite lower graduate earnings?

UW-Parkside offers the most affordable communication program at $10,044 net cost, though graduates earn $26,353 annually. The school maintains a 39.80% graduation rate with 72.83% acceptance rate. For students prioritizing minimal debt over maximum earnings, this represents significant value in Wisconsin's communication education market.

Does the Wisconsin Grant significantly impact communication program affordability?

The Wisconsin Grant helps in-state students access public university programs where tuition ranges from $7,855 to $11,205 annually. This state support makes Wisconsin public communication programs particularly attractive compared to private alternatives costing over $30,000 in tuition. In-state students save thousands annually through this assistance program.

Where do Wisconsin communication graduates find the best job prospects after graduation?

Wisconsin's major employers like Epic Systems, GE Healthcare, and Kimberly-Clark create strong demand for communication professionals who can handle technical writing and corporate communications. Manufacturing and healthcare sectors throughout the state need skilled communicators. UW-Whitewater and UW-La Crosse graduates earning over $37,000 annually reflect these regional opportunities.

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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.