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Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Arkansas

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

University of Arkansas Grantham offers the state's most affordable Communication and Media Studies degree at just $9,325 net cost, while Ouachita Baptist University graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $37,208 annually. This $13,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs reflects Arkansas's mix of budget-friendly public options and value-driven private colleges. The state's media market benefits from Walmart's massive marketing operations in Bentonville, creating internship and career opportunities for communications students. Arkansas graduates enter a job market where the low cost of living means their $22,572 to $37,208 starting salaries stretch further than in most states. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with seven of the ten cheapest programs coming from state institutions that keep in-state tuition below $10,000.
15
Programs
$9,325 – $22,355
Net Price Range
$28,947
Avg. Program Earnings
49.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,325 $8,280 24.3%
2 $10,097 $6,906 37.0%
3 $11,679 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
4 $12,171 $8,508 48.7% 94.4%
5 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
6 $13,630 $25,950 51.8% 60.1%
7 $14,013 $8,868 43.3%
8 $16,136 $8,455 41.4% 61.5%
9 $16,664 $19,680 35.3% 63.9%
10 $16,775 $10,118 53.3% 91.2%
11 $16,929 $7,885 38.0% 70.7%
12 $17,525 $9,748 70.0% 78.9%
13 $20,579 $24,888 70.9% 45.1%
14 $21,144 $30,832 66.8% 56.6%
15 $22,355 $32,480 70.3% 72.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Arkansas Grantham so much cheaper than other programs?

University of Arkansas Grantham charges just $9,325 net cost with $8,280 in-state tuition, making it nearly $700 less expensive than the second cheapest option. The online-focused format reduces campus overhead costs significantly. However, the program shows a 24.30% graduation rate, which students should weigh against the cost savings when making their decision.

How do private college graduates compare to public university graduates in earnings?

Ouachita Baptist University graduates earn $37,208 annually, the highest among all Arkansas communication programs despite the $22,355 net cost. John Brown University graduates earn $28,598 with a $21,144 net cost. In contrast, Arkansas Tech graduates earn $22,572 while paying just $12,171 net cost, showing that higher tuition doesn't always guarantee proportionally higher starting salaries.

Is University of Arkansas worth the higher cost compared to other public options?

University of Arkansas graduates earn $35,772 starting salaries while paying $17,525 net cost, significantly outperforming other state schools in earnings potential. The 70% graduation rate also leads all public universities in the state. Arkansas State University offers a middle ground at $13,085 net cost with $24,035 starting earnings and a solid 55.1% graduation rate.

Where can communication students find the best graduation rates in Arkansas?

Harding University leads with a 70.9% graduation rate despite charging $20,579 net cost, while Ouachita Baptist closely follows at 70.3%. Among public options, University of Arkansas achieves 70% graduation rates. These three schools significantly outperform the state average, with most other programs graduating between 35% and 55% of their students.

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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.