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Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Kansas

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

Central Christian College of Kansas delivers Communication and Media Studies education for just $12,473 annually, making it nearly $5,000 cheaper than the next most affordable option in the state. This massive cost advantage contrasts sharply with the University of Kansas, where students pay $17,365 but earn $41,106 after graduation compared to the state average of $30,409. Kansas offers unique opportunities for media professionals through its aerospace industry connections, where companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation require skilled communicators for technical documentation and corporate messaging. Public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with Fort Hays State charging just $5,633 for in-state tuition while maintaining a 47.80% graduation rate. The earnings gap between programs reaches $12,508, with graduates from the University of Kansas significantly outpacing those from other state institutions in post-graduation income potential.
20
Programs
$12,473 – $29,520
Net Price Range
$32,468
Avg. Program Earnings
48.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
2 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
3 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
4 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
5 $15,702 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
6 $17,365 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
7 $17,883 $10,942 70.5% 95.1%
8 $18,889 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
9 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
10 $19,868 $35,050 32.9% 52.7%
11 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
12 $22,500 $33,900 59.4% 91.8%
13 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
14 $24,392 $34,002 43.1% 97.2%
15 $24,837 $35,162 52.0% 65.9%
16 $25,752 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
17 $27,310 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
18 $27,477 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%
19 $28,083 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
20 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Central Christian College so much cheaper than other Kansas programs?

Central Christian College charges $12,473 annually, nearly $5,000 less than Washburn University at $13,046. This private college maintains lower costs through its smaller scale and focused mission. However, the trade-off appears in graduation rates, with Central Christian achieving just 23.00% compared to state averages above 50%.

How do Kansas public universities compare for Communication and Media Studies costs?

Kansas public universities range from $5,633 in-state tuition at Fort Hays State to $11,700 at the University of Kansas. Net costs after aid span $13,046 at Washburn to $18,889 at Pittsburg State. All public options maintain graduation rates between 47.80% and 70.50%, with Kansas State leading at 70.50%.

Does the University of Kansas justify its higher costs with better outcomes?

University of Kansas graduates earn $41,106 annually, significantly above the state range of $28,598 to $31,547 from other measured programs. Despite charging $17,365 net cost, KU delivers a 68.80% graduation rate and relatively low debt at $18,811. The $10,000+ earnings premium often compensates for the additional upfront investment.

Where do Kansas Communication graduates find employment opportunities?

Kansas aerospace companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation hire communication professionals for technical writing and corporate messaging roles. The state's agricultural sector also provides opportunities in agricultural communication and marketing. Many graduates work in Kansas City media markets or leverage the state's central location for regional communication roles spanning multiple states.

Is financial aid sufficient to make private Kansas colleges affordable?

Private colleges show mixed aid effectiveness, with net costs ranging from $19,045 at Newman University to $24,837 at McPherson College despite similar sticker prices around $33,000-$35,000. Newman University offers the best private value at $19,045 net cost with a 53.80% graduation rate. Most private options still cost $6,000+ more annually than public alternatives after aid.

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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.