Cheapest Communication and Media Studies Colleges in Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers the most affordable Communication and Media Studies program in Wisconsin at just $10,044 net price, making it nearly $7,000 cheaper than the next closest option. The state's public universities dominate the affordability market, with 12 of the 15 most affordable programs coming from UW System schools. Graduates earn between $25,194 and $42,682 annually, reflecting the field's range from entry-level positions to specialized roles in Wisconsin's growing tech sector. Epic Systems in Verona has become one of the nation's largest healthcare software companies, creating demand for skilled communicators who can bridge technical and business teams. The earnings gap between the lowest and highest-paying programs reaches $17,488, suggesting that school choice significantly impacts career outcomes. Wisconsin's manufacturing heritage, led by companies like Kimberly-Clark, continues to need communications professionals for corporate messaging and stakeholder relations.

Programs

$10,044 – $29,237

Net Price Range

$35,320

Avg. Program Earnings

61.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Communication and Media Studies Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
2	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405	$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
4	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
5	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714	$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
6	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
7	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
8	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
9	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
10	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
11	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722	$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
12	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
13	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
14	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295	$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
15	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176	$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
16	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315	$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
17	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924	$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
18	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092	$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
19	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341	$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
20	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
21	Maranatha Baptist University Watertown, Wisconsin	$24,659	$20,280	65.7%	75.1%
22	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
23	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634	$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
24	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674	$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
25	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
26	Marquette University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$29,237	$48,700	80.1%	87.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $17,488 difference in graduate earnings between programs?

Mount Mary University graduates earn $25,194 annually while Alverno College graduates earn $42,682, creating Wisconsin's largest earnings gap for Communication and Media Studies. School location, industry connections, and program focus contribute to these differences. Alverno's Milwaukee location provides access to more corporate communications roles, while smaller programs may have fewer industry partnerships.

How do Wisconsin's private colleges compare in affordability to public options?

Only three private colleges made the affordability list, with net prices starting at $16,722 compared to public schools beginning at $10,044. Mount Mary University and Ripon College charge over $30,000 in sticker price but offer significant financial aid. Private schools represent just 20% of affordable options despite potentially offering smaller class sizes.

Is UW-Madison worth the higher cost for Communication and Media Studies?

UW-Madison costs $16,928 net price, ranking 12th in affordability, but delivers an 89.3% graduation rate that far exceeds other programs. The school's selective 49.06% acceptance rate reflects higher academic standards. Madison's proximity to state government and growing tech sector provides internship opportunities that justify the premium.

Does program location within Wisconsin affect job prospects significantly?

Milwaukee programs like UW-Milwaukee and Alverno College benefit from the state's largest media market and corporate headquarters. Superior and Stevens Point offer lower costs but fewer immediate industry connections. River Falls graduates earn $35,518 despite the rural location, suggesting program quality matters more than geography for long-term success.

What makes UW-Parkside's $10,044 net price possible for Communication and Media Studies?

UW-Parkside's $7,855 in-state tuition combines with substantial financial aid to create Wisconsin's lowest net price. The 72.83% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 39.8% graduation rate suggests academic challenges. Kenosha's location between Milwaukee and Chicago provides internship access while maintaining lower living 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.