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Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University stands out among affordable Communication and Media Studies programs with a net price of just $10,026, making quality education accessible while preparing students for Nashville's thriving music industry and media market. The gap between most and least expensive options spans over $12,000, with private institutions like Le Moyne-Owen College offering surprisingly low net prices at $8,992 despite higher sticker costs. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with six schools under $16,000 in net costs. Graduates from University of Tennessee-Knoxville command the highest starting salaries at $35,307, while Tennessee's media-rich environment provides internship opportunities at country music labels, healthcare marketing firms like HCA, and regional broadcasting networks. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, whether they pursue careers in corporate communications, digital media production, or the entertainment industry that makes Nashville a global media center.
25
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$29,201
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
2 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
3 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
4 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
5 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
6 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
7 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
8 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
9 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
10 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
11 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
12 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
13 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
14 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
15 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
16 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
17 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
18 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
19 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
20 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
21 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
22 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
23 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
24 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
25 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University's Communication program such a good value at $10,026?

Tennessee State University combines affordability with location advantages in Nashville's media market. Students pay just $8,568 in-state tuition while accessing internships at music industry companies and broadcasting networks. Graduates earn an average of $30,650 starting salary with manageable debt loads of $29,250. The 33% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who complete the program benefit from Nashville's concentrated media opportunities.

How do public versus private school costs compare for Communication majors?

Public schools average around $12,000-15,000 in net costs, while private options range dramatically from $8,992 at Le Moyne-Owen to over $18,000 at Carson-Newman. Le Moyne-Owen College offers the lowest net price statewide despite being private, though its 24.70% graduation rate suggests academic challenges. Most students find better value at public institutions like UT-Martin ($10,299) or Middle Tennessee State ($12,599), which combine reasonable costs with stronger completion rates above 50%.

Does University of Tennessee-Knoxville justify its higher $18,109 cost?

UT-Knoxville delivers the highest graduate earnings at $35,307, significantly above the state average of around $28,000 for Communication majors. The 73.50% graduation rate ranks among Tennessee's best, and students carry relatively low debt loads of $19,611. While the net cost exceeds most state options by $5,000-8,000, the earning premium often justifies the investment. The flagship status also provides stronger alumni networks and recruitment opportunities with major media companies.

What earning potential do Communication graduates have in Tennessee?

Starting salaries for Communication majors range from $20,596 to $35,307 across Tennessee programs, with most graduates earning between $25,000-31,000. Carson-Newman University shows the lowest starting pay at $20,596 despite high tuition costs, while UT-Knoxville leads at $35,307. Tennessee's media industry concentration in Nashville and growing healthcare communications sector provide opportunities beyond traditional journalism. The state's zero income tax policy means graduates keep more of their earnings compared to neighboring states.

Is Middle Tennessee State University worth considering for media studies?

Middle Tennessee State offers strong value with a $12,599 net price and solid 54% graduation rate in Murfreesboro. Graduates earn $28,515 starting salaries with reasonable debt loads of $22,795, positioning the program in the middle tier for both cost and outcomes. The 72.54% acceptance rate suggests moderate selectivity, and proximity to Nashville provides media internship access. Students get public university affordability while staying connected to Tennessee's entertainment and healthcare communication markets.

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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.