Cheapest Radio Colleges in Iowa

University of Northern Iowa stands out dramatically among Iowa's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs with a net price of just $14,609 compared to Drake University's $30,042. This $15,433 cost gap reflects the state's educational divide between public and private institutions. Iowa's media market includes regional television stations and agricultural broadcasting networks that serve farming communities, creating steady demand for communication graduates. The single reported earnings figure of $30,554 suggests relatively consistent starting salaries regardless of program cost.

Programs

$14,609 – $30,042

Net Price Range

$30,554

Avg. Program Earnings

58.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa	$14,609	$9,728	68.9%	95.0%
2	Buena Vista University Storm Lake, Iowa	$18,321	$40,190	47.3%	77.3%
3	Briar Cliff University Sioux City, Iowa	$21,590	$35,534	49.4%
4	William Penn University Oskaloosa, Iowa	$22,115	$28,750	29.2%	57.7%
5	Simpson College Indianola, Iowa	$22,231	$46,212	65.7%	89.1%
6	Saint Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa	$22,750	$35,598	62.8%	73.9%
7	Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$23,435	$39,070	55.9%	75.3%
8	Dordt University Sioux Center, Iowa	$25,383	$35,960	65.3%	87.7%
9	Drake University Des Moines, Iowa	$30,042	$49,944	77.3%	67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa the most affordable option for media studies?

UNI's net price of $14,609 represents the lowest cost among Iowa's communication programs, with in-state tuition at just $9,728. The public university also maintains a strong 68.90% graduation rate and accepts 94.95% of applicants, making it both accessible and affordable.

How significant is the cost difference between public and private programs?

The gap reaches over $15,000 annually, with UNI at $14,609 while private schools range from $18,321 at Buena Vista to $30,042 at Drake. Even the most expensive private option costs less than $50,000 in total tuition, reflecting Iowa's generally lower education costs.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Iowa?

Not necessarily, as evidenced by the data showing William Penn University with the lowest graduation rate at 29.20% despite charging $22,115 net price. Drake University leads with 77.30% graduation rate but costs $30,042, while UNI achieves 68.90% at less than half that price.

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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.