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Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Kentucky

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

Berea College stands apart as Kentucky's most affordable Communication and Media Studies option at just $4,483 net cost, despite carrying a sticker price of $49,326. This work-study focused institution accepts only 24.58% of applicants, making it highly selective yet financially accessible. The affordability gap widens dramatically across Kentucky's programs, with costs ranging from Berea's remarkable deal to $20,428 at Asbury University. Northern Kentucky University graduates earn the highest salaries at $37,399, reflecting strong job placement in the Cincinnati metro area where UPS operates its massive Worldport shipping center. Kentucky's media market includes opportunities with companies like Humana, which requires extensive corporate communication, and the state's bourbon industry, where brand storytelling and marketing communications play central roles. Public universities like UK and UofL offer solid middle-ground options around $17,000-$17,600 net cost while maintaining strong alumni networks throughout the state's growing healthcare and logistics sectors.
21
Programs
$4,483 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$30,790
Avg. Program Earnings
50.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
2 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
3 $9,904 $10,060 35.7% 45.0%
4 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
5 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
6 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
7 $11,286 $9,875 46.2% 83.0%
8 $13,485 $42,010 47.5% 71.5%
9 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
10 $13,811 $27,274 38.1%
11 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
12 $17,634 $12,828 60.7% 81.5%
13 $17,839 $14,080 26.4% 98.3%
14 $18,246 $26,990 47.1%
15 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
16 $20,701 $38,400 40.1% 94.2%
17 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
18 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
19 $23,906 $30,946 36.0% 53.4%
20 $24,264 $27,850 57.3% 97.6%
21 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Berea College so affordable despite its high sticker price?

Berea College operates on a unique work-study model where all students work on campus to help cover educational costs. The college's $49,326 sticker price drops to just $4,483 net cost through this program and generous financial aid. However, admission remains highly competitive with only 24.58% of applicants accepted. Graduates typically earn $27,590, which reflects the school's mission of serving students from lower-income backgrounds.

How do earnings compare between Kentucky's cheapest and most expensive programs?

Northern Kentucky University graduates earn the highest salaries at $37,399 despite having one of the lower net costs at $7,168. University of Pikeville, with a mid-range cost of $13,591, produces the lowest-earning graduates at $22,880. The University of Kentucky, costing $17,218, delivers solid earning potential at $34,348. This data suggests that program location and university connections matter more than tuition cost for salary outcomes.

Is financial aid more generous at private or public Kentucky schools?

Private schools show more dramatic cost reductions through financial aid, but public schools start with lower base prices. Berea College reduces costs by 90% from sticker to net price, while Georgetown College cuts costs from $42,010 to $13,485. Public universities like Eastern Kentucky University maintain net costs around $9,962 with smaller aid packages. The KEES scholarship program helps Kentucky residents at both public and private institutions based on academic performance.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Kentucky?

Higher graduation rates don't necessarily require higher costs in Kentucky's Communication programs. University of Kentucky achieves the highest graduation rate at 69.90% with a $17,218 net cost. Meanwhile, Alice Lloyd College has only a 26.40% graduation rate despite costing $17,839. Berea College maintains a solid 62% graduation rate at the lowest cost. Western Kentucky University offers good value with a 53.70% graduation rate for $10,916.

Where do Communication graduates find the best job opportunities in Kentucky?

Northern Kentucky graduates earn the highest salaries at $37,399, benefiting from proximity to Cincinnati's corporate market including UPS Worldport operations. Louisville area graduates from UofL earn $33,993, accessing Humana's healthcare communications and other regional employers. UK graduates in Lexington earn $34,348 in the state capital region. The bourbon industry, automotive manufacturing with Toyota, and growing logistics sectors create varied communication career paths throughout the state.

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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.