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Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks breaks the mold with its $7,669 net price for Communication and Media Studies, making it Missouri's most affordable option despite being private. This dramatic cost advantage stems from the college's work-study program where students work on campus to offset tuition. The state's 15 most affordable programs range from $7,669 to $15,529, with public universities like Missouri Southern State University offering in-state tuition as low as $8,400. Missouri's growing healthcare and technology sectors, anchored by major employers like Cerner and BJC HealthCare, create strong demand for communication professionals who can navigate digital platforms and corporate messaging. Graduates from these programs earn between $27,765 and $37,883, with University of Missouri-Kansas City leading at $37,883 despite its mid-range net cost of $12,837.
39
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$33,000
Avg. Program Earnings
54.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

39 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
3 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
4 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
5 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
6 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
7 $12,860 $13,692 52.6% 63.2%
8 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
9 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
10 $13,496 $8,506 55.0% 85.3%
11 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
12 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
13 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
14 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
15 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
16 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
17 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
18 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
19 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
20 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
21 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
22 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
23 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
24 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
25 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
26 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
27 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
28 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
29 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
30 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
31 $23,277 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
32 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
33 $25,140 $9,400 70.0% 94.3%
34 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
35 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
36 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
37 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
38 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
39 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so much cheaper than other private schools?

College of the Ozarks charges a net price of just $7,669 compared to typical private colleges through its mandatory work-study program. Students work 15 hours per week on campus in various jobs, from food service to maintenance, which significantly reduces their tuition burden. The college maintains a 21.13% acceptance rate and 61.30% graduation rate. This unique model makes private education accessible at public school prices.

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

Missouri public universities offer in-state tuition ranging from $6,442 at Harris-Stowe State to $13,440 at University of Missouri-St Louis. However, net prices after financial aid tell a different story, spanning $11,653 to $15,336. Truman State University provides the best value combination with a $12,030 net price, 68.40% graduation rate, and $33,535 median earnings. The A+ Scholarship program helps Missouri residents cover community college costs before transferring.

Is University of Missouri-Kansas City worth the higher cost?

University of Missouri-Kansas City graduates earn $37,883 annually, the highest among these affordable programs, justifying its $12,837 net cost. The university maintains a 55.90% graduation rate and 69.48% acceptance rate, making it accessible yet selective. Students graduate with $17,750 in median debt, which is reasonable given the strong earning potential. Kansas City's major employers like Cerner create direct job opportunities for communication graduates.

Does Missouri Southern State University offer good value despite low earnings?

Missouri Southern State graduates earn $27,765 annually, the lowest among schools with earnings data, but the $11,653 net cost helps balance this outcome. The university accepts 99.48% of applicants and has a 38.30% graduation rate, suggesting it serves students who might not qualify elsewhere. Graduates carry $18,686 in median debt, which is manageable given the low cost of living in Joplin. The open admission policy makes it accessible for career changers and non-traditional students.

Where do Missouri Communication and Media Studies graduates typically find work?

Missouri's major employers like Cerner, Monsanto, and BJC HealthCare actively recruit communication professionals for corporate communications, digital marketing, and public relations roles. The state's healthcare sector particularly values graduates who can manage patient communications and compliance messaging. Earnings range from $27,765 to $37,883 depending on location and employer size. Kansas City and St. Louis offer the highest concentration of media and corporate communication opportunities.

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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.