15 Best Affordable Communications Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2020

Finding the best affordable colleges for a communication degree that leads to a lifelong career is easy to come by in America. With so many schools in the United States creating excellent programs in this field, students have a wide variety of choices when it comes to their degree. But how should a student go about picking the school that is right for them?

For many, it comes down to the quality of the program, individualized attention, and the learning method. Affordable programs offer all of these aspects and more, leading students to choose based not on tuition alone, but a combination of all of these factors.

Methodology

When researching this ranking, great care was taken to ensure that the information provided is up to date. This is why a database of schools that offer a bachelor’s degree in communication began with a quick trip to the National Center for Education Statistics. This website is home to the College Navigator database, which houses accurate and up-to-date information. However, the schools were then individually reviewed, which included a visit to each school’s program website to ensure information was reflected accurately.

As with most rankings, this one had two required factors: tuition and student-to-ratio faculty, as reported by NCES. As this ranking focuses on affordable colleges and universities, only institutions with in-state and out-of-state tuition that totaled less than $15,000 per academic year were considered. Student-to-faculty ratios were also considered as programs with fewer students per class indicate a higher commitment to the program, resulting in higher graduation rates, as well as more individualized attention.

Tuition for one year – based on 15 hours per semester:

Under $7,500 – 3 Points
$7,500 – $15,000 – 2 Points
$15,001 and above – 1 Point

Student to faculty ratio:

10:1 or less – 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 Points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 Point

The 15 schools that make up this ranking were decided upon based on the above criteria. They are listed below in descending order based on total points awarded during the research process.

Ranking 15 Best Affordable Communications Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 

15. Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Total Points: 3
Program Website

Metropolitan State University offers a BA in Professional Communication: Organizational Communication Track. This 120-credit hour program has a strong concentration of communications courses, with 36 credit hours coming from the major core. This high-value degree in communications provides students with an understanding on how organizational communication works in the real world. enabling them to see how their career path will unfold while still in the program. Students at this low-cost university will have the option to complete a variety of minors along with the major, including:

• public relations
• industrial and organizational psychology
• technical communication
• community organizing and development

Students may also choose the public relations track, which focuses on more general public relations courses within the communications field.

Tuition
In-State: $7,879
Out-of-State: $14,980
Student: Faculty Ratio: 17:1

14. Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, Missouri

Total Points: 3
Program Website

Northwest Missouri State University is a cost-effective college for a communications degree. It offers the Bachelor’s in Art or Science in Communication with a concentration in Interpersonal Communication. This program helps students understand not just how, but why communication works. It also shows how communication works for people who live in different cultures or regions. The program also focuses on the psychology of human interaction, helping students develop the skills that will serve them well in the industry. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, a Senior Capstone, and an internship for graduation. Additionally, students at this best-value university can take part in experiences outside of the classroom, including:

• becoming a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the national honor society for communications students
• taking part in the Speaking Bearcats debate team
• completing a study abroad program in various countries around the world.

Tuition
In-State: $7,844
Out-of-State: $13,166
Student: Faculty Ratio: 21:1

13. Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Total Points: 3
Program Website

Bellevue University offers a best-value communication degree that focuses on the skills needed in the field. The school’s affordable BA in Communication Studies is a general degree with a strong academic reputation. It has two concentrations:

• mass media
• organizational and strategic communication

These concentrations can be earned online or on-campus. Both provide students with a strong foundation in the field, taught by an excellent faculty.  Also available are directed electives that will help shape a student’s understanding of their place in the workforce. This economical degree requires a minimum of 127 credit hours for graduation. It has different options for students, depending on their concentration. The program has a strong focus on the digital media aspect of the field. This program is a great choice for students seeking an affordable undergraduate degree in communications.

Tuition
In-State: $7,827
Out-of-State: $7,827
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 40:1

12. Lincoln Christian University

Lincoln, Illinois

Total Points: 4
Program Website

Lincoln Christian University offers the affordable online Bachelor’s of Communications. The program is a good choice for students interested in all of the aspects of the field. This low-cost college offers programs supported by a Christian worldview that values personal growth and service-oriented careers. The program is also for students interested in any field that requires an understanding of effective and oral communication, particularly:

• law
• politics
• business

The 120-credit hour program emphasizes individualized learning and critical thinking. The courses in this low-cost program range from Business Communication to Rhetorical Criticism, enabling students to learn the history and the art of the field. 

Tuition
In-State: $13,200
Out-of-State: $13,200
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1

11. Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois

Total Points: 4
Program Website

Eastern Illinois University is strong contender for a well-rounded communications department on this list. The school provides a low-cost communications degree as well as programs in:

• public relations
• health communication
• an
• online program in communication in organizations

It also offers several minors that will complement any of the degrees listed here. Some of these minors include:

• broadcast meteorology
• communication and cultural diversity
• advertising

The BA in Communication Studies comes with three concentrations:

• corporate communication
• interpersonal communication
• mass communication

Each program offers a robust core of at least 42 credit hours of coursework as well as options for directed electives. Additionally, the department has its own news studio that broadcasts WEIU-TV and the school’s program, News Watch. This makes it a great best-value school for students interested in broadcast and mass communication. With the hands-on work, they  get a feel for the industry before they graduate. 

Tuition
In-State: $11,803
Out-of-State: $14,023
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1

10. Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, Indiana

Total Points: 4
Program Website

A top-value affordable communications degree comes from Indiana Wesleyan University. The school’s BS in Communication is a 22-month, 120-credit hour program that focuses on communications from a Christian perspective. It’s a great choice for students who want to work in churches, schools, or even businesses. It is a comprehensive general degree that is aligned with the National Communication Association’s standards. It provides students with a strong degree and career preparation. As an inexpensive online learning experience, students will be able to complete this degree in roughly less than half the time it would take on-campus. This enables them to move smoothly from their education to their career. Experiential learning is key in this program. A research practicum, which is based on a presentation and publication of a piece, is required for graduation.

Tuition
In-State: $9,816
Out-of-State: $9,816
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1

9. Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, Arkansas

Total Points: 4
Program Website

Henderson State University has an excellent Department of Communication and Theatre Arts. It will help students get a feel for what particular career path they want to pursue. This  communication degree provides program leads to a BA in Communication as well as a related degree in innovative media.  Minors are available in:

• mass media
• communication
• writing for the media

This low-cost 120-credit hour program has a number of general courses as well as directed electives. This gives students a lot of flexibility in their curriculum choices. Additionally, students can work on the student-run radio station, the tv station, HTV, or the newspaper, The Oracle. A forensic debate team is also on campus. It provides students with co-curricular activities to strengthen their abilities in the communications field.

Tuition
In-State: $8,530
Out-of-State: $10,180
Student: Faculty Ratio: 13:1

8. Granite State College

Concord, New Hampshire

Total Points: 4
Program Website

The low-cost communications degree program at Granite State College has:

• small class sizes
• individualized attention
• a supportive faculty
• a comprehensive major core curriculum

Much of this 120-credit-hour affordable Bachelor’s in Communication comes from the communications field. This creates a well-rounded foundation to prepare a student for a career. Students will learn written and oral communication skills. They will also learn marketing and digital media, both of which are core components in today’s industry. This top-value program is ranked highly by U.S. News and World Report and can be completed as a distance education degree. Out-of-state students can attend this highly regarded school right from the comfort of their own home.

Tuition
In-State: $7,761
Out-of-State: $8,745
Student: Faculty Ratio: 11:1

7. Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Weatherford, Oklahoma

Total Points: 4
Program Website

Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers a strong top-value BA in Communications Arts degree. The program focuses on the industry. It also provides students with the chance to complete one of three options:

• communication studies
• theatre
• mass communication

All programs need at least 120 credit hours for graduation. Students of this economical university will find that the types of courses they will take depend on their option.  They can also take courses from other areas, giving them the option to broaden their understanding of the communication field. Courses range from Persuasion to Play Directing and Production to Desktop Publishing. Students have a great deal of flexibility in what they choose to pursue while in this program.

Tuition
In-State: $7,335
Out-of-State: $14,235
Student: Faculty Ratio: 21:1

6. The College of Staten Island CUNY

Staten Island, New York

Total Points: 4
Program Website

The low-cost communications degree at the College of Staten Island CUNY is a great choice for students interested in a general communications degree. The school’s BS in Communications comes with four concentrations:

• corporate communications
• journalism
• media studies
• design and digital media

One concentration is required for graduation from this 120-credit hour degree program. The program offers small class sizes and practicing professionals who teach them. It also includes both academic and experiential opportunities. There are a variety of directed elective options as well. These give students opportunities to delve deeper in subjects that interest them. 

Tuition
In-State: $7,290
Out-of-State: $14,960
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1

5. CUNY Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, New York

Total Points: 4
Program Website

CUNY Brooklyn College, offers an affordable BA in Communication that is interdisciplinary in nature. This high-value communications program focuses on all of the aspects of the field, from theory to digital media. The program offers three specializations:

• visual and media studies
• interpersonal and intercultural communication
• professional and organizational communication

The major core touches on the critical aspects of the field. The specializations consist of directed electives. Students are well prepared for their career field. Small class sizes provide students with opportunities for individualized attention.  Additional experiential learning opportunities will solidify what they have learned in the classroom. 

Tuition
In-State: $7,240
Out-of-State: $14,910
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1

4. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Odessa, Texas

Total Points: 4
Program Website

The BA in Communication program at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin offers low-cost tuition and excellent faculty. This affordable communications degree  program can be earned online or on-campus. It has been repeatedly ranked nationally for its academic quality. This 120-credit hour program is based on the idea that the communications field changes every year. Courses are updated annually to reflect  changes and trends in the field. Students have the option to take electives of their own choosing. This enables them to keep up with trends in the field. The program has a high retention rate and excellent professors. 

Tuition
In-State: $6,260
Out-of-State: $7,100
Student: Faculty Ratio: 20:1

3. The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Total Points: 4
Program Website

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith is home to a best-value BA in Media Communication. This affordable communications degree program requires both a major and a minor. This enables students to expand their knowledge of the field with a minor in a related discipline. The program requires 124 credit hours of coursework. Students are required to create digital and AV media, conduct research, and more for graduation. This helps them focus on their skills, not just theories and concepts. Students will complete the degree with a capstone course. They can use this capstone to demonstrate their perspective and talents in the communications field. 

Tuition
In-State: $5,593
Out-of-State: $12,666
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1

2. The University of North Georgia

Gainesville, Georgia

Total Points: 4
Program Website

Students who choose the University of North Georgia will find that the school’s affordable BA in Communication is a great place to develop  their skills. This school offers three concentrations:

• public relations
• organizational leadership
• multimedia journalism

The low-cost program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework. It also offers students the chance  complete a minor if they wish. If they don’t want a minor they have about 27 credit hours to apply towards a related field. The school provides:

• small class sizes
• a great deal of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
• professional opportunities that will give them a taste for the field before graduation

This is a great choice for students with a strong understanding of the skills they would like to earn at the undergraduate level. They will be prepared for a variety of specialized roles in the field.

Tuition
In-State: $4,692
Out-of-State: $13,514
Student: Faculty Ratio: 19:1

1. Brigham Young University – Idaho

Rexburg, Idaho

Total Points: 4
Program Website

Brigham Young University is the best affordable college for communications degrees. This school offers a low cost BS in Communication with seven concentration options, including:

• strategic organizational communication
• visual communication
• digital and social media

Students will complete this 120-credit hour program with:

• knowledge of how the communication field works
• practical experience under their belt
• a variety of projects that they can use as part of their portfolio

Additionally, students will have access to the department’s professional student organizations and clubs. These help  them to network and be part of the field before graduation. With small class sizes and very low tuition, students should strongly consider this school for their undergraduate education.

Tuition
In-State: $4,118
Out-of-State: $4,118
Student: Faculty Ratio: 25:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for an Affordable Communications Degree?

Students in the communications field have a lot of career avenues open to them –from the business and tech worlds to nonprofit organizations. Here are a few of the exciting options available:

• • Communications Specialist
  • Communications Managers
  • Vice-President of Communications
  • Media Supervisor
  • Social Media Strategist
  • Digital Media Strategist
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Director of Marketing and Communications
  • Web Producer
  • Public Relations Account Executive
  • Content Marketing Manager
  • Freelance Writer
  • Digital Marketing Coordinator
  • Social Media Manager
  • Managing Editor of a Publication

You should keep in mind that while it is possible to enter any one of these careers without a graduate degree, some additional training and professional education may be necessary. It’s best to think of this additional education and training as an investment in a career, one that may lead to exciting and unique opportunities in the future.

How Much Can You Earn with a Low-cost Communications Degree?

The communications field is wide-ranging, so this particular answer will focus only on average wages, taking into account all of the jobs that fall within this sector as outlined by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The current annual starting wage for students who have earned a top-value economical communications degrees is approximately $42,100 per year. Wages can increase to $72,300 once you gain some experience.

It is important to keep in mind that wages do not just depend on the title of a position or even its responsibilities and duties. It also depends on the state you want to work in. For example, states with metropolitan areas, such as New York, California, and Washington, often have more of a demand for communications specialists. This translates to higher wages. Additionally, cities with large business, tech, and political firms or companies also need communications specialists.

Additionally, wages tend to be somewhat proportional to the standard of living in an area. Professionals who want to relocate for a job that offers higher wages should consider the cost of living in the area. This includes rent, utilities, gas, and food. Higher wages do not always mean that the professional will be able to save more money.

What are the Various Disciplines of Communications?

Communications is the field that focuses on how humans interact with each other and messaging from business and other entities. It is a field that on the surface seems to be focused on marketing and business, but is layered in reality. The following is a short summary of some of the major disciplines in the field as well as some new additions that have been radically changing how humans communicate.

The main disciplines of communications include:

• marketing
• advertising
• business
• language
• intercultural studies
• journalism
• speech
• psychology

These disciplines focus on how humans understand one another or communicate with each other. However, there is one huge newcomer to the field that has changed the way humans communicate. That newcomer is technology. Digital media and social media have radically changed  society’s perspective of engaging with brands, companies and public figures. It has shortened an individual’s attention span, requiring communications professionals to adapt to the new digital age.

Communications professionals in the most inexpensive colleges for communications degrees today will find that most programs will include a minor, concentration or certificate in digital media or social media. This is for good reason. Employers now want professionals who understand the digital landscape, who can harness the traditional skills of the industry and translate it in a digital format.

Societally speaking, humans thrive when able to communicate their ideas with each other. This is why professionals in the field are sorely needed. The Internet has changed how most of society communicates. Those who can understand those changes will be pioneering the next wave of advertising, public relations, public administration, marketing, and communication in general.

Any of these best affordable colleges for communications degrees will serve as a great foundation for an exciting career in the field.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the 15 Best Affordable Colleges for a Communications Degree (Bachelor’s).

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