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The 65 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree Communications

Rankings of online bachelor's degree communications programsOnline bachelor’s degree communications programs are the most convenient way for undergraduate students to gain competitive training and experience in today’s marketplace. Editors, interpreters, public relations specialists, and technical writers can earn some of the best salaries in the field and require a bachelor’s degree at the entry level. Thankfully, there is no shortage of online communication degrees to choose from.

These programs don’t stop at simple communications. If you are prepared to take your career to a new level, consider a media communications degree online, a strategic communications major, or even a concentration in corporate communications. Each degree listed can bridge the gap between entry-level jobs ($41,000 to $50k a year) and more technical careers that can breach over $74,600 annually at just the bachelor level. Yet even with these glowing prospects, the price of college programs can set students back far beyond an above-average salary. So where are the affordable online communication degrees with the best curriculums, most flexible options, and greatest opportunities for career advancement?

GetEducated compared 148 online communication degrees from 113 regionally accredited colleges and universities to create this ‘Best Buy’ ranking. Our rankings reveal the most affordable options in the United States—65 options for online bachelor’s degree communications programs for under $51,500.

ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide

Average Cost (In-state): ~$51,500
Least Expensive: University of Florida ~$15,501.60
Most Expensive: Albertus Magnus College ~$141,768.00

Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online bachelor’s degree communications programs. The online communications degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2022 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.

Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree Communications

Western Governors University
WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Communications degree program offers specialization in multimedia communications and messaging. Curriculum includes courses in organizational behavior, project management, economics and finance, crisis communication, and more. Plus, students can earn three additional certificates in strategic thinking and innovation, business power skills, and strategic communications at no…
No matter what career path you choose, you will need good communication skills. The online bachelor's degree in communication and media studies from EOU provides interpersonal communication, public speaking and technological skills that will apply to any career path.The courses you choose as your electives can direct your degree toward…
Southern New Hampshire University
Courses in our communication degree online program will help you develop and hone your skills in critical thinking, writing, research and analysis. As emerging technology continues to make the business world smaller, effective written and verbal communication skills will be more important than ever before. Our BA in Communication will…
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RankSchool / DegreeStatePriceNote
1
University of Florida
(FL)
$15,501.60
$66,314.40
In-State
Out-of-State
2
Utah Valley University
(UT)
$24,040.00
$68,368.00
In-State
Out-of-State
3
Weber State University
(UT)
$24,912.16
$33,360.00
In-State
Out-of-State
4
Columbus State University
(GA)
$25,689.99
All Students
5
Montana State University-Billings
(MT)
$25,701.12
$44,188.80
In-State
Out-of-State
6
Fort Hays State University
(KS)
$27,225.60
All Students
7
Lewis-Clark State College
(ID)
$27,953.00
$80,977.00
In-State
Out-of-State
8
Florida International University
(FL)
$28,286.72
$42,333.92
In-State
Out-of-State
9
Thomas Edison State University
(NJ)
$28,930.00
$37,410.00
$30,298.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Military
10
Ohio University
(OH)
$29,064.00
$29,424.00
In-State
Out-of-State
11
Arkansas State University
(AR)
$30,960.00
All Students
12
Southern Utah University
(UT)
$31,693.00
All Students
13
Valley City State University
(ND)
$32,776.00
$39,140.00
In-State
Out-of-State
14
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
(AR)
$33,600.00
$25,980.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
15
Central Methodist University
(MO)
$33,675.00
All Students
16
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
(LA)
$34,920.00
All Students
16
Missouri State University
(MO)
$34,920.00
All Students
18
University of Houston-Victoria
(TX)
$35,068.32
$84,028.32
In-State
Out-of-State
19
Lamar University
(TX)
$35,568.00
All Students
20
University of Arkansas
(AR)
$36,242.40
All Students
21
Indiana University Online
(IN)
$36,320.16
$49,265.76
In-State
Out-of-State
22
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
(OK)
$36,332.00
All Students
23
American Public University System
(WV)
$36,900.00
$30,100.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
24
Northwest Missouri State University
(MO)
$37,080.00
All Students
25
Waldorf University
(IA)
$37,325.00
$30,125.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
26
Granite State College (part of University of New Hampshire)
Bachelor of Science in Professional Communication 14
(NH)
$38,360.00
$44,480.00
In-State
Out-of-State
27
South College
(TN)
$38,400.00
All Students
28
Southern New Hampshire University
(NH)
$38,550.00
$27,150.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
29
University of Maryland Global Campus
(MD)
$38,570.00
$61,730.00
In-State
Out-of-State
30
Lynn University
(FL)
$39,000.00
All Students
31
The University of Texas Permian Basin
(TX)
$39,280.80
All Students
32
University of Colorado Denver
(CO)
$40,800.00
$62,520.00
In-State
Out-of-State
33
Indiana Wesleyan University
(IN)
$41,460.00
$30,000.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
34
Concordia University - Nebraska
(NE)
$42,000.00
All Students
34
Florida Southern College
(FL)
$42,000.00
All Students
36
Black Hills State University
(SD)
$42,150.00
All Students
37
King University
(TN)
$42,350.00
All Students
38
University of Southern Maine
(ME)
$42,575.00
$60,695.00
In-State
Out-of-State
39
Washington State University
(WA)
$43,320.00
$48,288.00
In-State
Out-of-State
40
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
(WI)
$44,055.60
$100,452.00
In-State
Out-of-State
41
West Texas A & M University
(TX)
$45,456.72
$52,306.96
In-State
Out-of-State
42
University of Minnesota-Crookston
(MN)
$45,528.00
All Students
43
Texas A & M University - Commerce
(TX)
$46,104.00
$95,064.00
In-State
Out-of-State
44
University of Missouri-St Louis
(MO)
$46,812.00
$123,612.00
In-State
Out-of-State
45
Old Dominion University
(VA)
$46,888.00
$52,528.00
$33,688.00
In-State
Out-of-State
Military
46
Saint Leo University
(FL)
$47,125.00
$31,525.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
47
Wilmington University
(DE)
$47,140.00
All Students
48
University of Akron
(OH)
$47,520.00
$62,000.64
In-State
Out-of-State
49
Austin Peay State University
(TN)
$47,850.00
$64,890.00
In-State
Out-of-State
50
Northwest University
(WA)
$47,880.00
All Students
51
Indiana Institute of Technology
(IN)
$47,950.00
All Students
52
University of Missouri-Columbia
(MO)
$47,952.00
$60,216.00
In-State
Out-of-State
53
Eastern Oregon University
(OR)
$48,100.00
$55,300.00
In-State
Out-of-State
54
University of Toledo
(OH)
$48,697.92
$49,297.92
In-State
Out-of-State
55
Liberty University
(VA)
$48,892.00
$32,092.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
56
Palm Beach Atlantic University
(FL)
$49,184.00
All Students
57
Bay Path University
(MA)
$49,200.00
$42,000.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
58
Franklin University
(OH)
$49,442.00
$31,090.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
59
Abilene Christian University
(TX)
$49,800.00
All Students
60
Eastern Kentucky University
(KY)
$50,040.00
$30,000.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
61
Mississippi State University
(MS)
$50,189.00
All Students
62
The University of Texas at El Paso
(TX)
$50,400.00
$64,800.00
In-State
Out-of-State
63
Oral Roberts University
(OK)
$50,792.00
$31,592.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
64
Gordon College
(MA)
$51,180.00
All Students
65
Aurora University
(IL)
$51,200.00
$30,200.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
NOTE: The following schools did not make our Best Buy ranking but are also great online options.
School / DegreeStatePriceNote
Regent University
(VA)
$52,600.00
$30,000.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Park University
(MO)
$52,875.00
$30,075.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
University of North Dakota
(ND)
$52,981.20
All Students
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
(FL)
$53,840.00
$30,200.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Lancaster Bible College
(PA)
$54,000.00
All Students
Sam Houston State University
(TX)
$54,648.00
All Students
Grace Christian University
(MI)
$54,700.00
$36,100.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Northern Kentucky University
(KY)
$55,680.00
All Students
Campbell University
(NC)
$56,070.00
$31,270.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Northern Arizona University
(AZ)
$56,264.00
All Students
Avila University
(MO)
$56,335.00
All Students
San Diego Christian College
(CA)
$56,457.00
All Students
Bellevue University
(NE)
$56,710.00
$33,850.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Johnson & Wales University
(RI)
$59,400.00
All Students
Pennsylvania State University
(PA)
$59,628.00
All Students
Upper Iowa University
(IA)
$59,830.00
$30,070.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
University of Massachusetts Global
(CA)
$60,000.00
$30,000.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
University of Memphis
(TN)
$60,480.00
All Students
Mercer University
(GA)
$61,140.00
All Students
University of Arizona
(AZ)
$61,264.00
$31,264.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Concordia University Texas
(TX)
$61,360.00
All Students
Walden University
(MN)
$61,385.00
$52,561.25
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
University of Louisville
(KY)
$61,468.00
$30,250.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Walsh University
(OH)
$61,600.00
All Students
Colorado Christian University
(CO)
$62,040.00
$35,760.00
In-State/Out-of-State
Military
Mississippi College
(MS)
$62,896.00
All Students
Central Penn College
(PA)
$63,861.00
All Students
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor
(WI)
$65,393.00
All Students
Regis University
(CO)
$65,610.00
All Students
Lipscomb University
(TN)
$66,150.00
All Students
National University (School Merged)
Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications 14
(CA)
$66,600.00
All Students
Maryville University
(MO)
$67,375.00
All Students
Alvernia University
Bachelor of Arts in Communication 14
(PA)
$67,650.00
All Students
Point Park University
(PA)
$68,320.00
All Students
Ashland University
(OH)
$70,800.00
All Students
Biola University
Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies 14
Bachelor of Science in Public Relations & Digital Media Management 14
(CA)
$72,480.00
All Students
California Baptist University
(CA)
$79,107.00
All Students
National Louis University
(IL)
$80,400.00
All Students
Dominican University - New York
(NY)
$80,490.00
All Students
Loyola University Chicago
(IL)
$89,020.00
All Students
Cleary University
(MI)
$89,520.00
All Students
Drexel University
(PA)
$97,740.00
All Students
Dallas Baptist University
(TX)
$129,880.00
All Students
Rochester Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Science / Communications 14
(NY)
$135,120.00
All Students
Albertus Magnus College
(CT)
$141,768.00
All Students

Accreditation & Program Notes

To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.

14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
AACSB  AACSB International
IACBE  International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
ACBSP  Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
ACEJMC  Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications

Rankings Note

These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter 2021 review of regionally accredited online bachelor’s degree communications options. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online bachelor degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.

The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.

Editorial Note

Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a bachelor’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.

These rankings of the cheapest online schools for communications may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online bachelor’s degree communications programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.

Career Guide: Online Bachelor’s Degree Communications

An online bachelor’s degree communications program prepares you for many different careers in a variety of industries. While there are certainly jobs that are clear and obvious fits for communications students, these programs deliver numerous skills that can apply to practically any position in any industry. Communicating, and the technology we used to communicate, is fundamental to all types of business and organizations. This is why graduates of these programs can find work in almost any area.

What to Expect from an Online Bachelor’s Degree Communications

Communications degrees are generally taught by a college or university’s business program. (They should not be mistaken for communication studies degrees, which are usually taught by a liberal arts department and generally focus on how people communicate in their everyday lives.) Communications usually focuses on communicating in business and organizations, including non-profit and government groups, and it often has a tilt towards communicating to reach a specific goal, such as selling a product or promoting a new government program.

Classes vary by school and the specific degree, but you can expect a variety of general studies courses, such as math, history, science, and literature. The program will likely include business classes, which are applicable to all business degrees. This could include accounting, marketing, business leadership, and organizational management.

Eventually you will take classes that are specific to an online bachelor’s degree communications program. These will include various studies that make you a stronger communicator within an organization. Classes may include public speaking, technical writing, communications in the digital age, and managerial communications.

Communications, while a specialization in and of itself, can be focused to an even more focused discipline. There are many types of communications degrees, including, to name just a few, marketing and communications, media communications, communications management, and strategic communications.

We certainly can’t detail all the different types of communications degrees, but it helps to look at a few in more detail. Strategic communication, for example, is the use of communication to reach a specific goal or outcome, usually a business- or organizational-related goal. It’s communication with deeper planning, often with an end goal that is relatively large. Classes in a strategic communications degree may include communication planning, conflict resolution, decision-making strategies, and the use of mass media by businesses and organizations.

An online bachelor’s degree communications program could also take the form of media communication. This area of study helps you understand the various forms of media (websites, television, radio, etc.) and the way they can be used to communicate different messages. Classes in this type of communications degree may include broadcasting, media marketing, audiovisual communication, and media technology.

There are numerous types of communications programs available to aspiring students. Regardless of which one you select, you’ll be prepared for numerous careers, many that are high-paying and in high demand.

Popular Careers in Communications

While you can work in a countless variety of occupations with a communications degree, these are some of the most popular options…

Training & Development Manager

  • Salary: $115,640
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree
  • Experience: At least 5 years

With an understanding of communication, including organizational and interpersonal communication, you would be the perfect candidate for work as a training and development manager. These professionals develop and execute training plans for new employees, creating a staff that can meet the needs of organizations and businesses.

The pay for this career is excellent, as the median is over $115,000 a year. However, the top 10% in this profession can expect even higher salaries, the top development managers earn over $200,000 annually. The growth for this career is also strong. Between 2020 and 2030, this profession is expected to grow by 11%, so there should be options for people who understand communication and training.

This career, however, requires experience. Managers in this profession need to have roughly five years of experience, usually working as a training specialist before working in leadership and management.

Public Relations Manager

  • Salary: $118,430
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree
  • Experience: At least 5 years

Public relations, commonly referred to as “PR,” requires excellent communication. PR managers identify audiences and find the best way to reach them. They shape an organization’s identity and work to maintain a positive image among the general public. Specific task may include speaking to media, writing press releases, completing market studies, and assigning roles for a PR team.

While experience is once again required (usually as a PR specialist or fundraiser), the pay can be outstanding. Good public relations is so important that the top 10% in this profession earn over $208,000 a year. It’s also expected to grow by 13%, making it a stable as well as lucrative occupation.