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Cheapest Communication Colleges

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

Southeastern Oklahoma State University stands out with the nation's lowest net cost for Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs at just $6,352 annually. The field shows remarkable cost variation, with some programs reaching $13,085 while maintaining strong connections to regional media markets. Students completing these programs earn between $23,649 and $36,848, reflecting the varied career paths within communications. Private institutions like Le Moyne-Owen College offer surprisingly competitive pricing at $8,992 net cost, challenging assumptions about affordability. Public universities dominate this affordable tier, with 13 of the 15 most budget-friendly options operating as state institutions. The regional focus of many programs aligns with growing demand for digital content creators and communications specialists in smaller markets, where starting salaries may be lower but living costs often match. Graduation rates span from 24.70% to 79.20%, indicating significant variation in program structure and student support systems across institutions.
50
Programs
$6,352 – $20,318
Net Price Range
$33,583
Avg. Program Earnings
53.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
2 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
3 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
4 $9,173 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
5 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
6 $11,366 $5,970 35.4% 56.4%
7 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
8 $11,679 $9,019 39.7% 69.3%
9 $12,437 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
10 $12,514 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
11 $12,791 $8,370 47.5% 85.9%
12 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
13 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
14 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
15 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
16 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
17 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
18 $13,922 $4,432 25.6% 99.7%
19 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
20 $14,229 $8,486 36.0% 86.0%
21 $14,294 $10,780 29.9% 97.9%
22 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
23 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
24 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
25 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
26 $14,922 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
27 $15,026 $25,200 40.0% 51.4%
28 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
29 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
30 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
31 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
32 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
33 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
34 $17,529 $23,400 69.6%
35 $17,546 $9,772 46.7% 89.3%
36 $17,760 $31,728 42.4%
37 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
38 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
39 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
40 $18,285 $27,868 50.2% 95.2%
41 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
42 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
43 $18,464 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
44 $18,762 $33,660 68.6% 96.7%
45 $19,353 $51,763 72.4% 61.4%
46 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
47 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
48 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
49 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%
50 $20,318 $24,820 44.0% 92.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southeastern Oklahoma State University the most affordable option for communication programs?

Southeastern Oklahoma State achieves a net cost of just $6,352 through substantial state funding and regional positioning. The in-state tuition of $7,200 combined with financial aid packages creates this remarkably low barrier to entry. The 74.21% acceptance rate indicates accessibility while maintaining academic standards. Students benefit from small-town costs and focused program delivery.

How do graduation rates vary among the most affordable communication programs?

Graduation rates range dramatically from Le Moyne-Owen College's 24.70% to Augustana College's 79.20%. Public institutions like Arkansas State University achieve 55.10% graduation rates while maintaining low costs. Fairmont State University reaches 48.30% with a net cost under $10,000. These variations often reflect student preparedness levels and institutional support systems rather than program quality alone.

Does attending a private college for communication studies cost significantly more?

Surprisingly, several private institutions compete well on cost, with Le Moyne-Owen College at $8,992 net cost ranking second overall. Universidad del Sagrado Corazon offers programs at $13,024, remaining competitive with public options. Augustana College, while higher at $12,437 net, delivers a 79.20% graduation rate. These private options often provide more individualized attention and stronger alumni networks.

What earning potential can graduates expect from these affordable programs?

Early career earnings span $23,649 to $36,848, with West Virginia University graduates earning the highest at $36,848 annually. Farmingdale State College graduates earn $36,560 while paying just $9,173 net cost, offering strong return on investment. The earning range reflects varied career paths from local media to corporate communications. Geographic location significantly influences starting salary levels across these programs.

Where do students find the best value combination of cost and outcomes?

Farmingdale State College delivers strong value with $9,173 net cost, 57.10% graduation rate, and $36,560 graduate earnings. Arkansas State University combines $13,085 cost with 55.10% graduation success. Northwestern Oklahoma State offers the lowest in-state tuition at $5,970 but shows 35.40% graduation rates. Students should balance immediate affordability against completion likelihood and career prospects.

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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.