Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Minnesota

Metropolitan State University delivers the highest early-career earnings at $45,500 for Communication and Media Studies graduates in Minnesota, despite sitting in the middle of the price range at $19,181 net cost. This outcome reflects the program's connection to the Twin Cities media market, where employers like Target and UnitedHealth Group maintain substantial marketing and communications operations. The state's affordability spectrum spans from University of Minnesota-Crookston at just $10,874 to private institutions reaching $21,563, creating accessible pathways into media careers. Public universities dominate the lower cost tiers, with seven programs under $18,500, while private colleges like Bethany Lutheran produce graduates earning $27,488 annually. Minnesota's media market benefits from the presence of major corporations requiring skilled communicators, particularly in healthcare marketing given the Mayo Clinic's influence and retail communications driven by Target's Minneapolis headquarters. The graduation rates vary significantly, from Metropolitan State's 38.4% to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' impressive 84.8%, suggesting different student populations and program structures across the state's communication programs.

Programs

$10,874 – $30,525

Net Price Range

$35,421

Avg. Program Earnings

62.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Crookston Crookston, Minnesota	$10,874	$13,120	49.7%	57.2%
2	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
3	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
4	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
5	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
6	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
7	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
8	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
9	Winona State University Winona, Minnesota	$18,148	$10,498	60.9%	73.8%
10	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
11	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
12	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
13	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
14	Hamline University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,385	$48,311	57.7%	80.6%
15	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
16	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
17	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
18	The College of Saint Scholastica Duluth, Minnesota	$23,949	$40,454	63.0%	96.6%
19	Oak Hills Christian College Bemidji, Minnesota	$24,674	$18,910	30.8%
20	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
21	Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$25,651	$30,020	71.8%	65.5%
22	Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota	$26,895	$54,310	75.9%	73.9%
23	Saint Johns University Collegeville, Minnesota	$27,018	$53,942	75.7%	86.2%
24	Crown College Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota	$27,324	$30,200	64.3%	66.6%
25	College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, Minnesota	$28,065	$53,884	83.0%	87.8%
26	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
27	Macalester College Saint Paul, Minnesota	$29,980	$64,908	90.4%	28.4%
28	University of St Thomas Saint Paul, Minnesota	$30,525	$52,284	75.2%	77.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Metropolitan State University graduates earn $45,500 when other programs average much lower?

Metropolitan State serves working adults and career-changers in the Twin Cities, connecting students directly with local employers like UnitedHealth Group and Target. The university's 38.4% graduation rate reflects its non-traditional student body who often transfer credits or attend part-time. Many students already work in communications roles while completing their degrees, leading to higher starting salaries upon graduation.

How do public university costs compare to private colleges for Communication and Media Studies in Minnesota?

Public universities range from $10,874 to $19,181 in net costs, while private institutions start at $17,566 and reach $21,563. Saint Cloud State offers the lowest in-state tuition at $10,117, making it extremely affordable for Minnesota residents. Private colleges like Bethany Lutheran charge $30,010 in tuition but provide significant financial aid, bringing net costs closer to public levels.

Is University of Minnesota-Crookston worth considering despite its 49.7% graduation rate?

Crookston offers the state's lowest net cost at $10,874 with graduates earning $38,721, providing strong return on investment. The campus serves rural northern Minnesota with smaller class sizes and personalized attention. Student debt averages just $14,142, significantly below the state average, making it attractive for budget-conscious students entering competitive media markets.

Does the Twin Cities location affect job prospects for Communication and Media Studies graduates?

Minneapolis-Saint Paul hosts Target's corporate headquarters, UnitedHealth Group, and numerous advertising agencies requiring communications talent. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates benefit from this proximity despite higher net costs of $17,139. The metro area's media market includes television stations, radio networks, and digital marketing firms actively recruiting local graduates.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and graduation success?

Winona State University combines reasonable costs at $18,148 with a solid 60.9% graduation rate and $37,443 earnings. University of Minnesota-Duluth offers similar value at $18,464 with 64.5% graduation rates. Both programs cost under $18,500 while maintaining graduation rates above 60%, indicating effective student support and program quality.

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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.