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Cheapest Radio Colleges in Ohio

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

Ohio University operates five regional campuses that offer remarkable value for Radio, Television, and Digital Communication students, with net prices starting at just $4,503 at the Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville. This represents a stark contrast to the $23,156 maximum found among Ohio's most expensive programs in this field. The affordability becomes even more significant when considering Ohio's media market, which includes major broadcasting operations serving Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus metropolitan areas. Graduation rates at these regional campuses range from 12% to 20%, reflecting their open-access mission and part-time student populations. Public institutions dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with Youngstown State University offering the best combination of reasonable cost at $11,877 net price and solid outcomes with a 53% graduation rate. Private options like Bluffton University cost significantly more at $17,430 net despite high acceptance rates. The state's manufacturing and healthcare sectors increasingly demand multimedia communication specialists, creating opportunities for graduates who can navigate both traditional broadcasting and digital platforms.
28
Programs
$4,503 – $32,342
Net Price Range
$28,734
Avg. Program Earnings
50.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

28 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
7 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
8 $13,824 $7,278 24.5%
9 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
10 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
11 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
12 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
13 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
14 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
15 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
16 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
17 $22,539 $35,400 64.9% 75.8%
18 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
19 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
20 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
21 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
22 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
23 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
24 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
25 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
26 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
27 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
28 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio University's regional campuses so affordable for media studies?

Ohio University's five regional campuses offer net prices between $4,503 and $6,483, making them among the most affordable options in the state. These campuses share resources and curricula with the main Athens campus while serving local communities with lower overhead costs. Students can complete foundational coursework at these locations before potentially transferring to complete specialized media production requirements. The shared $23,654 average debt load across all Ohio University campuses remains manageable compared to many media programs.

How do graduation rates vary among Ohio's affordable media programs?

Graduation rates span a wide range from 12% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 66% at the main Athens campus. Regional campuses typically see lower completion rates due to their mission serving working adults and commuter students who often attend part-time. Youngstown State University achieves a 53% graduation rate while maintaining an $11,877 net price, offering a strong middle ground. Four-year institutions generally outperform regional campuses in completion metrics while charging higher prices.

Does earning potential justify the cost differences between Ohio programs?

Early career earnings range from $19,592 at Youngstown State to $28,381 at University of Akron, creating significant variation in return on investment. The University of Akron charges $14,981 net price but produces graduates earning 45% more than Youngstown State graduates. Ohio University main campus graduates earn $27,874 while paying $20,413 net price, suggesting strong value. Students should weigh program costs against potential starting salaries when choosing between institutions.

Where can students find the best balance of affordability and program quality?

Youngstown State University offers compelling value at $11,877 net price with a 53% graduation rate and reasonable debt levels of $26,000. The University of Akron provides another solid option at $14,981 with strong graduate earnings of $28,381 and a 48% completion rate. Ohio University's main campus in Athens delivers quality outcomes for $20,413, though regional campuses offer much lower prices for students willing to accept different completion environments. Public institutions consistently outperform private schools on affordability metrics.

What financial aid options help Ohio students afford media programs?

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant provides need-based assistance that can significantly reduce net prices for qualifying students. In-state tuition rates at public institutions range from $6,178 at Ohio University campuses to $14,081 at Bowling Green State University. Private institutions like Bluffton University charge $36,298 in tuition but offer substantial institutional aid bringing net prices down to $17,430. Federal financial aid and institutional scholarships combine to create the net price figures that make these programs accessible to Ohio residents.

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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.