7 Affordable Online Communications Degrees in California 2025

Communications is a broad field that can lead to many exciting career paths, especially in a state like California with such a thriving entertainment industry. However, not everyone is able to make it on campus to complete their higher education.

The good news is, there are many low-cost online communications degrees available to busy students. Keep reading to discover affordable online communications degree programs in California.

Affordable Online Communications Degree Programs in California

There are quite a few low-cost online colleges in California, and several of them offer degrees in communications. We've highlighted these programs below, all from schools that hold regional accreditation.

1. California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a private Christian school in Riverside, CA. It offers both a bachelor's and master's degree in strategic communication online.

The Bachelor of Arts degree explores topics like public relations, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and communication theory. The tuition rate is $520 per credit hour, and scholarships and grants, like the Cal Grant, are available.

In the Master of Arts program, students deepen their understanding of the historical, cultural, social, global, and political dimensions of communication. Tuition costs $580 per credit, and financial aid is available for this program as well.

2. California State University, Bakersfield

At California State University, Bakersfield, students can earn an online Bachelor of Arts in communications. The program covers subjects like mass media and intercultural communication and also offers an optional emphasis in public relations.

CSUB is a public university, and as such, eligible students could have their full tuition costs covered through either the Cal Grant or the State University Grant. Before financial aid, the tuition rate is $370 per credit hour.

3. Columbia College

An online bachelor's degree in communication studies is available online through Columbia College. The private school is based in Columbia, MO, but has several campuses throughout the country, including one in Imperial, CA, and two more in San Diego.

The bachelor's program includes coursework on mass communication, media studies, communication theory, and more. Tuition costs $375 per credit hour, and scholarships and other aid are available to help online students pay for their programs.

4. National University

National University offers a bachelor's and a master's degree in communications online. Based in San Diego, the private institution caters specifically to adult learners.

In the Bachelor of Arts in communication, students can choose a specialization in creative communication or strategic communication. The tuition rate is $370 per credit hour, with financial aid options available to students.

The online master's in strategic communication teaches students how to develop and implement marketing communications strategies that meet client-specific goals. Before financial aid is applied, the tuition rate for this program is $442 per credit.

5. San Diego Christian College

San Diego Christian College is a private Christian school in Santee, CA. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts in communication that covers topics such as:

• communication research methods
• conflict resolution and negotiations
• intercultural communication
• organizational communication

Tuition is $399 per credit hour. The college accepts several forms of financial aid, including federal aid like the Pell Grant and state aid like the Cal Grant.

6. San Diego State University

Students at San Diego State University can pursue a degree completion program with a communication major online. The degree includes courses on advanced public speaking, intercultural communication, and organizational communication.

As SDSU is a public school, students may be eligible for coverage of their full tuition costs through programs like the Cal Grant or the State University Grant. Before financial aid, the cost is $481.75.

7. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global offers an online Bachelor of Arts in communications and media. UMass Global is a private, online school headquartered in Aliso Viejo and affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts system.

Students cover topics like new media, public speaking, and journalism. The tuition rate is $500 per credit hour, and financial aid is available to help students pay for their online courses.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose what programs made this list, our methodology was simple. We looked at schools that:

• are located in or have a campus in California
• hold regional accreditation
• are nonprofit
• offer online bachelor's or master's degrees in communication

Of these, we looked at the schools with the lowest tuition rates. We also included only online colleges that accept financial aid or offer financial aid of their own.

FAQs About Online Programs in Communications

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online programs in communications.

What Courses Are Typically in an Online Communications Degree Program?

Online communications degrees are designed to help you develop your communication skills. These college degrees can prepare you for roles as communications professionals and public relations specialists and also help you hone your critical thinking skills.

Common core course topics you might find in these programs include:

• communication research methods
• communication theory
• corporate communication
• intercultural communication
• interpersonal communication
• mass communication
• organizational communication
• public relations
• public speaking

Some programs also allow you to choose a specialization. For example, a specialization in media studies may include courses on mass media, digital media, and social media. Others don't offer specializations but allow you to choose electives so you can tailor your degree program to your intended career path.

What Is the Cost of an Online Communications Degree in California?

Of the bachelor's degree programs listed above, the cost ranges from $370 to $520 per credit hour. However, the total cost of your program depends on multiple factors, like if you're an in-state or out-of-state student, whether you study full-time or part-time, if you have transfer credits, and what financial aid you qualify for.

If you already have an associate degree or college credits from previous college experience, look for online colleges that accept transfer credits. This ensures that your prior learning and the money you spent don't go to waste.

What Are the Financial Aid Options for Students in Online Communications Degree Programs?

Students in online programs can generally access the same financial aid programs that those who study on campus can get. This includes the Pell Grant and the Cal Grant.

The Pell Grant is a federal need-based grant that provides up to $7,395 to eligible students. The Cal Grant is also a need-based grant. It's a state-funded grant that can cover up to the full cost of tuition for in-state students at a California university.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees and Enroll Today

Start your journey toward a career path in communications by exploring the accredited online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools for more information about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.