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Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Cheyney University stands out with the state's lowest net price at $9,837 for Communication and Media Studies, while private options like Holy Family University reach $12,251. Pennsylvania's media market offers strong career connections, with Comcast headquartered in Philadelphia and numerous healthcare communications roles at UPMC throughout the state. The gap between public and private costs proves significant, as East Stroudsburg University charges just $15,089 compared to Saint Francis University's $19,173. Earnings data reveals interesting patterns, with Holy Family graduates starting at $18,771 while East Stroudsburg alumni earn $34,467 early in their careers. Pennsylvania's PA State Grant provides additional support for residents pursuing these programs. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with five of the top seven schools being state institutions. Graduation rates vary widely from Cheyney's 16.20% to Saint Francis University's 72.80%, suggesting students should weigh both cost and completion likelihood when choosing programs.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $28,714
Net Price Range
$30,774
Avg. Program Earnings
59.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
3 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
4 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
6 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
7 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
8 $19,279 $19,404 38.9% 34.0%
9 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
10 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
11 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
12 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
13 $20,748 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
14 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
15 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
16 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
17 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
18 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
19 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
20 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
21 $21,873 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%
22 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
23 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
24 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
25 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
26 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
27 $22,870 $29,990 71.4% 97.2%
28 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
29 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
30 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
31 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
32 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
33 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
34 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
35 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
36 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
37 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
38 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
39 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
40 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
41 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
42 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
43 $27,243 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
44 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
45 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
46 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
47 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
48 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
49 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
50 $28,714 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic cost difference between Pennsylvania's cheapest and most expensive Communication programs?

Cheyney University offers the lowest net price at $9,837 while Mount Aloysius College reaches $20,748, creating an $10,911 gap. Public universities typically charge less due to state funding, with East Stroudsburg's in-state tuition at just $11,036. Private colleges like Saint Francis University list tuition at $41,720 but provide significant aid to bring net costs down to $19,173. The type of institution and financial aid packages create these wide pricing variations.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Pennsylvania Communication programs?

The data reveals no clear pattern between cost and completion success. Cheyney University has the lowest price at $9,837 but only a 16.20% graduation rate. Conversely, Saint Francis University charges $19,173 and achieves a 72.80% graduation rate. Slippery Rock University offers a middle ground with $19,524 costs and a solid 65.90% completion rate. Students should consider both affordability and institutional support when choosing programs.

What starting salaries can Communication graduates expect from affordable Pennsylvania programs?

Early career earnings range from $18,771 at Holy Family University to $34,467 at East Stroudsburg University. Indiana University of Pennsylvania graduates earn $30,047 despite the program's $17,216 net cost. Millersville University produces graduates earning $33,993, making it attractive at $20,231 total costs. These salary variations often reflect regional job markets and alumni networks rather than program expenses.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality among Pennsylvania's affordable Communication schools?

Acceptance rates vary dramatically from Central Penn College's selective 33.99% to York College's open 95.61% admission policy. East Stroudsburg accepts 93.63% of applicants while maintaining strong graduate earnings of $34,467. Saint Francis University balances selectivity at 73.05% with high graduation rates of 72.80%. Higher acceptance rates often indicate accessibility rather than lower academic standards in Communication programs.

Where do Pennsylvania Communication graduates find the best job opportunities after graduation?

Philadelphia offers major media opportunities with Comcast's corporate headquarters and numerous television stations. Pittsburgh provides healthcare communications roles through UPMC's extensive network and growing tech sector. Pennsylvania's pharmaceutical industry creates medical communications positions throughout the state. Graduates often find entry-level positions in digital marketing, public relations, and corporate communications across these metropolitan areas.

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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.