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Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Public universities in New York make communication and media studies remarkably affordable through the CUNY system, where students pay net costs between $2,446 and $5,115. Hunter College leads at just $2,446 annually, while graduates from CUNY City College earn $39,663 on average, the highest among affordable programs nationwide. The contrast between affordability and outcomes varies dramatically across regions. Florida State College at Jacksonville costs only $2,760 with in-state tuition at $2,878, though graduation rates remain at 32.4 percent. California State Universities in Carson and Los Angeles offer net costs around $3,659 to $4,113, serving the nation's largest media market where entertainment, digital content, and advertising companies create substantial entry-level opportunities. Texas A&M International in Laredo represents the most challenging financial outcome, with graduates earning $22,923 while carrying $17,007 in debt. The communication field benefits from proximity to major metropolitan areas, where internships at news organizations, production companies, and digital agencies often lead to full-time positions for students who complete their degrees.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $8,365
Net Price Range
$30,931
Avg. Program Earnings
42.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
3 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
5 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
6 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
7 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
8 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
9 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
10 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
11 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
12 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
13 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
14 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
15 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
16 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
17 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
18 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
19 $5,804 $24,820 34.1%
20 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
21 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
22 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
23 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
24 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
25 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
26 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
27 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
28 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
29 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
30 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
31 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
32 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
33 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
34 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
35 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
36 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
37 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
38 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
39 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
40 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
41 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
42 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
43 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
44 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
45 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
46 $8,257 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
47 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
48 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
49 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
50 $8,365 $7,050 35.5% 57.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for communication majors?

The City University of New York system offers net costs between $2,446 and $5,115 for communication programs, with state funding keeping tuition low. Hunter College provides the lowest net cost at $2,446, while maintaining a 61 percent graduation rate. Students typically graduate with debt between $7,500 and $14,858, significantly below national averages. The system serves over 270,000 students across multiple campuses in media-rich New York City.

How do earnings vary among the most affordable programs?

Graduate earnings range from $22,923 at Texas A&M International to $39,663 at CUNY City College, showing substantial variation in career outcomes. CUNY schools generally produce graduates earning between $25,658 and $39,663 annually. California State programs report graduates earning around $24,615, while Florida State College graduates average $27,476. The highest earners typically come from programs near major media markets in New York and California.

Does location affect job prospects for communication graduates?

Programs in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and Jacksonville provide better access to media internships and entry-level positions. CUNY City College graduates earn $39,663 on average, benefiting from proximity to broadcast networks, digital agencies, and publishing companies. Students in smaller markets like Laredo or Carson face more limited local opportunities. California State Dominguez Hills accepts 89.13 percent of applicants, offering accessible education near Los Angeles entertainment industries.

What graduation rates should students expect from budget programs?

Graduation rates at affordable communication programs range from 19.3 percent to 72.1 percent, with significant variation by institution type and selectivity. CUNY Baruch College achieves 72.1 percent graduation despite accepting only 49.53 percent of applicants. Ohio University branch campuses show concerning rates below 21 percent. Public four-year institutions typically maintain rates between 46.9 and 61 percent, while community colleges often struggle with completion.

Is debt manageable at these affordable communication programs?

Students at the most affordable programs typically graduate with debt between $7,500 and $21,500, well below national averages for four-year degrees. CUNY Baruch College produces the lowest debt at $7,500 despite strong career outcomes. California and Ohio programs report higher debt levels around $17,157 to $21,500. The debt-to-earnings ratio remains favorable at most CUNY schools, where graduates earn enough to manage repayment comfortably.

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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.