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Cheapest Radio Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Holy Family University stands out among Pennsylvania's Radio, Television, and Digital Communication programs with a net price of just $12,251, nearly $7,000 less than Lincoln University's $12,912. This gap reflects Pennsylvania's mix of private institutions offering substantial financial aid alongside affordable state schools. Graduates from these programs enter a media market where Comcast, one of the nation's largest telecommunications companies, maintains its headquarters in Philadelphia and employs thousands across content creation, broadcasting, and digital platform management. The earnings data reveals significant variation, with Marywood University graduates earning $35,954 annually compared to Lincoln University's $21,781. Public options like University of Pittsburgh-Bradford offer strong value at $16,630 net cost, while private colleges such as Saint Francis University achieve a 72.80% graduation rate. Pennsylvania's established media infrastructure includes major market television stations in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, plus growing digital content companies throughout the state. Students can expect debt loads averaging $27,000 at schools like Lincoln University and Point Park University, making careful program selection important for managing educational investment returns in this competitive field.
29
Programs
$12,251 – $38,428
Net Price Range
$29,767
Avg. Program Earnings
66.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
2 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
3 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
4 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
5 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
6 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
7 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
8 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
9 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
10 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
11 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
12 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
13 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
14 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
15 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
16 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
17 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
18 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
19 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
20 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
21 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
22 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
23 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
24 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
25 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
26 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
27 $30,528 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
28 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
29 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $14,740 difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Holy Family University's $12,251 net cost reflects significant institutional aid that brings private tuition down below many public options. Private schools like Arcadia University charge $25,866 after aid, but often provide smaller classes and specialized equipment. Public universities maintain lower base costs, with Kutztown at $11,230 in-state tuition. The variation largely depends on each institution's endowment and aid policies rather than program quality.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive programs?

Saint Francis University achieves the highest graduation rate at 72.80% despite charging $19,173 net cost, while University of Pittsburgh-Bradford graduates just 43.40% of students at $16,630. Marywood University combines strong outcomes with 72.50% graduation and $35,954 graduate earnings. The data shows no direct correlation between program cost and completion rates across Pennsylvania schools.

Where do graduates find the best earning potential relative to program costs?

Marywood University graduates earn $35,954 annually for a $22,222 investment, offering strong return potential. Kutztown University provides solid value with $29,141 graduate earnings against $21,205 net cost. Lincoln University shows the lowest graduate earnings at $21,781, though its $12,912 cost keeps debt manageable. Pennsylvania's media market, anchored by Comcast and regional broadcasters, supports these earning ranges.

Does acceptance rate indicate program selectivity in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication?

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown accepts 97.41% of applicants while maintaining reasonable outcomes, suggesting open access rather than competitive selection. Saint Francis University's 73.05% acceptance rate represents the most selective program among affordable options. Most Pennsylvania schools in this field accept 75-85% of applicants. High acceptance rates often reflect growing industry demand rather than program weakness.

What debt levels should students expect from Pennsylvania's most affordable programs?

Available debt data shows $27,000 at both Lincoln University and Point Park University, representing typical borrowing for communication programs. Kutztown University reports $26,350 in student debt despite lower net costs. Private schools often offset higher sticker prices through aid packages that control actual debt loads. Pennsylvania's PA State Grant program helps in-state students reduce borrowing at public institutions.

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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.