Cheapest Radio Colleges in Minnesota

Southwest Minnesota State University breaks the mold with a net price of just $14,760 for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication students, nearly $3,000 below the next closest option. This gap between public and private costs becomes stark when comparing SMSU's affordability to programs reaching $28,439 at Bethel University. Minnesota's media market includes major employers like Hubbard Broadcasting and iHeartMedia, creating opportunities for graduates across traditional broadcasting and digital platforms. The state's 10 programs show acceptance rates ranging from 56% to 96%, giving students multiple pathways into an industry where creativity meets technology in markets from the Twin Cities to regional stations serving rural communities.

Programs

$14,760 – $28,439

Net Price Range

$29,685

Avg. Program Earnings

62.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Southwest Minnesota State University Marshall, Minnesota	$14,760	$10,304	44.1%	91.6%
2	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
3	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
4	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
5	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
6	North Central University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,574	$29,460	63.6%	90.8%
7	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
8	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
9	Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis, Minnesota	$25,935	$43,824	69.2%	56.9%
10	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southwest Minnesota State University so much cheaper than other options?

As a public institution, SMSU offers in-state tuition of just $10,304 compared to private schools charging $29,460 to $49,758. The university's 91.59% acceptance rate also makes it accessible to most applicants seeking affordable media education.

How do graduation rates compare across different price points?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, with Bethel University at $28,439 achieving 75.20% graduation compared to SMSU's 44.10% at $14,760. Mid-range options like Saint Mary's University balance cost and outcomes with 67.70% graduation at $21,034 net price.

Is the earnings potential worth the investment in more expensive programs?

Only University of Northwestern-St Paul reports specific earnings data at $29,685 annually for graduates. With student debt averaging $20,399 at that school, graduates need to weigh career prospects against loan payments in Minnesota's competitive media market.

Where do students find the best balance of affordability and selectivity?

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers strong value at $17,816 net price with 56.62% acceptance rate and 54.60% graduation rate. Bethany Lutheran College provides another middle ground at $17,680 with more selective 58.50% admission standards.

More Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Rankings

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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.