Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Colorado

Colorado State University Global stands out among Colorado's Communication and Media Studies programs, earning graduates $51,273 annually despite a net cost of just $14,099. This strong return on investment reflects the state's growing tech sector, where companies like Ball Aerospace and emerging startups need skilled communicators. The state's 13 programs span a wide cost range from $12,948 at CSU Pueblo to $36,037 at University of Denver. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with seven schools under $20,000 in net costs. The Colorado Opportunity Fund helps in-state students reduce tuition further, making these programs accessible for students entering a media market that increasingly values digital communication skills.

Programs

$12,948 – $36,037

Net Price Range

$35,196

Avg. Program Earnings

53.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, Colorado	$12,948	$9,401	38.0%	98.8%
2	Colorado State University Global Aurora, Colorado	$14,099	$8,400		96.9%
3	Adams State University Alamosa, Colorado	$14,173	$9,776	31.6%	99.2%
4	Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, Colorado	$15,331	$9,712	41.5%	81.8%
5	University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, Colorado	$16,431	$9,712	45.3%	84.8%
6	Western Colorado University Gunnison, Colorado	$16,773	$11,083	50.7%	91.9%
7	University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colorado	$18,457	$12,010	51.3%	78.5%
8	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, Colorado	$19,133	$10,017	47.4%	74.6%
9	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, Colorado	$20,332	$12,896	66.9%	90.8%
10	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado	$21,480	$16,430	75.0%	80.7%
11	Regis University Denver, Colorado	$22,689	$43,980	61.1%	76.1%
12	Colorado Christian University Lakewood, Colorado	$25,458	$39,266	55.3%
13	University of Denver Denver, Colorado	$36,037	$59,340	78.0%	77.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colorado State University Global's Communication program such good value?

CSU Global graduates earn $51,273 annually, the highest among Colorado's Communication programs, while paying just $14,099 in net costs. The online format keeps costs low while maintaining strong industry connections in Colorado's growing tech sector.

How much do graduation rates vary among Colorado's affordable Communication programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from 31.6% at Adams State University to 75% at University of Colorado Boulder. Western Colorado University achieves a solid 50.7% graduation rate at $16,773 net cost, while CSU Fort Collins reaches 66.9% for $20,332.

Is debt load a concern for Communication students in Colorado?

Most programs keep debt reasonable, ranging from $16,500 at CU Boulder to $23,250 at Colorado Christian University. Public universities typically generate less debt, with University of Colorado Colorado Springs averaging just $17,535 despite strong earning potential of $31,314.

Where do Colorado Communication graduates typically work?

Colorado's aerospace industry employs many technical communicators at companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace. The state's growing startup scene in Denver and Boulder also creates opportunities in digital marketing, content creation, and corporate communications.

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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.