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Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio University's regional campuses deliver Communication and Media Studies education at remarkable prices, with the Eastern Campus charging just $4,503 annually in net costs. This represents extraordinary value in a state where major media employers like Gannett, iHeartMedia, and Scripps Networks operate significant operations. The price gap between Ohio's most affordable option and mid-tier programs spans nearly $10,000, creating clear pathways for budget-conscious students. Kent State University branches follow closely behind with net costs around $10,500-$11,600, while maintaining the university's strong media connections. Miami University's regional campuses produce graduates earning $40,089 annually, well above the state median for Communication majors. Ohio's manufacturing and healthcare sectors increasingly demand skilled communicators for internal communications, public relations, and digital marketing roles. Cleveland's media market ranks 19th nationally, while Columbus hosts numerous corporate headquarters requiring communication professionals.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $28,617
Net Price Range
$34,504
Avg. Program Earnings
48.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
7 $10,569 $7,272 9.8%
8 $10,679 $7,272 26.8%
9 $10,753 $7,272 25.8%
10 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%
11 $11,480 $7,272 37.1%
12 $11,593 $7,272 28.2%
13 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
14 $13,824 $7,278 24.5%
15 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
16 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
17 $16,065 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
18 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
19 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
20 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
21 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
22 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
23 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
24 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
25 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
26 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
27 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
28 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
29 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
30 $20,477 $32,606 36.6% 78.5%
31 $21,596 $28,930 38.1% 60.4%
32 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
33 $21,662 $33,628 49.8% 71.4%
34 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
35 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
36 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
37 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
38 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
39 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
40 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
41 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
42 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
43 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
44 $23,987 $32,630 77.1% 66.7%
45 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
46 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
47 $25,766 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
48 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
49 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
50 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio University's Eastern Campus so affordable for Communication studies?

Ohio University-Eastern Campus offers Communication and Media Studies at just $4,503 in annual net costs, making it the cheapest option statewide. The campus benefits from Ohio University's established media programs while serving a smaller student population in Saint Clairsville. Regional campuses typically have lower overhead costs and receive state funding support that keeps tuition minimal. Students can complete foundational coursework before transferring to the main Athens campus if desired.

How do Kent State University regional campuses compare in affordability?

Kent State's six regional campuses range from $10,569 to $11,593 in net costs, roughly double Ohio University's prices but still affordable. The Stark campus achieves the highest graduation rate at 37.3% among Kent State branches, while East Liverpool has the lowest at 9.8%. All regional campuses charge the same $7,272 in-state tuition but vary in financial aid availability. Students benefit from Kent State's strong journalism and media reputation at reduced costs.

Is Wilberforce University worth considering at $7,349 annually?

Wilberforce University offers private education at $7,349 net cost, positioning it between Ohio University and Kent State regional campuses. The historically black university accepts 45.12% of applicants and maintains a 16% graduation rate for Communication majors. Private colleges often provide smaller class sizes and more personalized attention than public regional campuses. However, students should weigh these benefits against the higher cost compared to Ohio University options.

Does Miami University's regional pricing justify the higher costs?

Miami University's Hamilton and Middletown campuses cost $13,346 and $13,824 respectively but produce graduates earning $40,089 annually. This salary represents the highest among Ohio's affordable Communication programs and exceeds many four-year program outcomes. Both campuses maintain graduation rates above 20%, outperforming several cheaper alternatives. The Miami University brand recognition and alumni network may justify the additional $6,000-$7,000 annual investment.

Where can Communication students find the best career prospects in Ohio?

Cleveland's media market ranks 19th nationally and houses major employers like Gannett and iHeartMedia, creating substantial internship and job opportunities. Columbus hosts numerous Fortune 500 headquarters requiring corporate communication specialists, while Cincinnati supports Scripps Networks and other media companies. Ohio's manufacturing sector, including Honda and Procter & Gamble, increasingly seeks communication professionals for internal and external messaging. Students at regional campuses can access these markets while paying significantly less than urban university costs.

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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.