Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Maryland

The $15,119 gap between Maryland's cheapest and most expensive Communication and Media Studies programs reveals a sharp divide between public and private options. University of Maryland Global Campus leads affordability at just $14,514 net cost, while graduates from the flagship College Park campus earn $46,947 annually despite a slightly higher $15,590 price tag. Maryland's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities for communication majors, with federal agencies, think tanks, and media outlets offering internships and entry-level positions. The state's 16 programs serve different student populations, from working adults at UMGC to traditional students seeking campus experiences. Public universities dominate the lower cost tier, with five schools under $17,000 annually, while private colleges like Washington College reach $29,095. Federal contracting work and the Baltimore-Washington corridor's media market provide communication graduates with varied career paths in government relations, digital marketing, and journalism.

Programs

$14,514 – $29,633

Net Price Range

$39,005

Avg. Program Earnings

60.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$14,514	$7,992	29.6%
2	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
3	Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland	$15,026	$25,200	40.0%	51.4%
4	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323	$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
5	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
6	Salisbury University Salisbury, Maryland	$16,456	$10,638	67.4%	91.1%
7	Towson University Towson, Maryland	$16,791	$11,306	67.6%	78.6%
8	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328	$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
9	McDaniel College Westminster, Maryland	$20,923	$49,647	63.8%	82.1%
10	Hood College Frederick, Maryland	$23,707	$45,870	55.3%	77.9%
11	Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland	$23,774	$51,250	60.0%	80.2%
12	Notre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, Maryland	$24,536	$41,910	51.9%	69.6%
13	Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, Maryland	$24,987	$47,240	58.0%	79.6%
14	Stevenson University Owings Mills, Maryland	$26,806	$39,708	66.4%	84.1%
15	Washington College Chestertown, Maryland	$29,095	$54,356	74.1%	74.7%
16	Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, Maryland	$29,633	$55,480	80.5%	83.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Maryland Global Campus so affordable for communication majors?

UMGC's online-focused model keeps costs down with a $14,514 net price and $7,992 in-state tuition. The university serves working adults and military personnel with flexible scheduling. However, the 29.6% graduation rate reflects the challenges of balancing work, family, and studies in their target demographic.

How do earnings compare between Maryland's public communication programs?

Graduates from UMD College Park earn $46,947 annually, significantly higher than Frostburg State's $28,236 despite similar net costs around $15,500. College Park's proximity to D.C. and stronger alumni network in federal agencies likely drive this $18,711 earnings gap. UMBC and Towson fall in the middle range at $34,259 and $40,133 respectively.

Is private college worth the extra cost for communication studies in Maryland?

Private options cost $20,923 to $29,095 annually, double most public schools. McDaniel College graduates earn $43,240 with manageable $24,500 debt, making it competitive with public flagships. However, Mount St. Mary's charges $24,987 but graduates earn $40,896, suggesting location and program focus matter more than public versus private status.

Where do communication graduates find the best job prospects in Maryland?

The Baltimore-Washington corridor offers the strongest opportunities, with federal agencies, defense contractors, and regional media outlets concentrated there. UMD College Park and Towson University benefit from this proximity, reflected in their higher graduate earnings of $46,947 and $40,133. Rural schools like Frostburg show lower earnings at $28,236, partly due to limited local media markets.

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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.