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Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Worcester State University delivers Communication and Media Studies education for just $14,738 net cost, representing the most affordable option among Massachusetts programs. The price gap tells a striking story: while Worcester State keeps costs minimal, American International College charges $25,299 despite producing graduates earning only $24,035 annually. Massachusetts supports over 20 Communication and Media Studies programs, reflecting the state's media ecosystem centered around Boston's publishing houses, digital marketing firms, and public relations agencies. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with six of the top seven spots occupied by state institutions. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from MIT's strong 96.1% down to Fisher College's 28.4%. The Massachusetts media market offers abundant internship and career opportunities, particularly in the Greater Boston area where traditional media companies work alongside emerging digital platforms. Students benefit from proximity to major employers including The Boston Globe, Harvard Business Review, and numerous PR firms serving the region's biotech and healthcare sectors.
36
Programs
$14,738 – $46,766
Net Price Range
$36,925
Avg. Program Earnings
64.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,738 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
2 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
3 $17,733 $28,610 35.3% 61.9%
4 $17,970 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
5 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
6 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
7 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
8 $18,707 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
9 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
10 $23,691 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
11 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
12 $24,944 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
13 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
14 $25,702 $35,013 28.4% 74.2%
15 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
16 $26,996 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
17 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
18 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
19 $28,346 $47,770 69.5% 88.8%
20 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
21 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
22 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
23 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
24 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
25 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
26 $30,236 $44,960 43.2% 76.0%
27 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
28 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
29 $31,805 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
30 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
31 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
32 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
33 $39,324 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
34 $39,866 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
35 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
36 $46,766 $55,392 79.3% 42.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Worcester State University the most affordable option for Communication and Media Studies?

Worcester State University offers the lowest net cost at $14,738 annually, nearly $3,000 less than the second most affordable option. The university maintains an 87.66% acceptance rate while producing graduates who earn $34,420 on average. Students complete their degrees with manageable debt levels averaging $20,149, making Worcester State an accessible choice for budget-conscious students.

How do public university costs compare to private institutions in Massachusetts?

Public universities dominate the affordability rankings with significantly lower costs than private colleges. Six of the seven most affordable programs are at public institutions, with net costs ranging from $14,738 to $18,707. Private colleges like American International College charge $25,299 despite lower graduate earnings, while Eastern Nazarene College costs $17,733 but shows a concerning 35.3% graduation rate.

Is MIT really affordable for Communication and Media Studies despite its reputation?

MIT ranks ninth for affordability with a $19,813 net cost, surprisingly competitive given its $60,156 sticker price. The institute's generous financial aid brings costs below many private competitors while maintaining a 96.1% graduation rate. However, MIT accepts only 3.96% of applicants, making admission extremely competitive compared to other affordable options.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Massachusetts?

Graduation rates show no clear correlation with program costs across Massachusetts Communication and Media Studies programs. MIT leads with 96.1% despite moderate net costs, while expensive Fisher College manages only 28.4%. Public universities like UMass Amherst achieve strong 83.2% graduation rates at $23,691 net cost, suggesting value beyond price alone.

Where do Communication and Media Studies graduates find the best earning potential?

UMass Amherst graduates earn the highest average salary at $40,269, followed closely by UMass Boston at $39,729. These flagship public universities connect students to Boston's media market while maintaining reasonable costs. Surprisingly, American International College produces the lowest-earning graduates at $24,035 despite charging $25,299 annually, highlighting the importance of program quality over price.

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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.