Most Affordable Online Communications Degrees in Hawaii 2025

Students living in Hawaii can earn an online communication degree for less by applying to institutions with lower tuition or qualifying for financial aid.

An online communication degree is great for growing communication skills and knowledge of mass media, public relations, interpersonal communications, and digital marketing without attending on-campus classes. If you want to save on tuition, you can find affordable online communication degrees designed to prepare students for top careers.

In Hawaii, students can pursue an online degree in communication at the University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu and save big. Below, we'll explore low-cost online degrees in Hawaii and other states and answer frequently asked questions about online communication programs.

Affordable Online Communications Degree Programs in Hawaii

Online learning is a great alternative to the traditional on-campus format. If you're ready to earn a virtual communication degree at a great price, explore online colleges that accept FAFSA and offer lower tuition rates like the Hawaii institution below.

University of Hawai'i-West O'ahu

The University of Hawai'i, which has campuses in Honolulu, Maui, Hilo, and Lana'i, offers an online Bachelor of Arts in creative media with a concentration in general creative media at its West O'ahu campus. This program teaches students to distribute content across video, print, and other media platforms.

In-state students who enroll in this program part-time pay $306 per credit hour, while students attending full-time pay $3,672 per semester. Federal grants and institutional scholarships covering full or partial tuition can help students earn this degree for less.

Other Affordable Online Communications Programs

Reputable online degree programs are also available outside of Hawaii. Review the list of schools below to find affordable communication degrees in other states.

1. California Baptist University

California Baptist University's online Bachelor of Arts in strategic communication is a 45-unit degree; full-time students can complete it in 16 months for $520 per unit. Enrollees who want to reduce the cost of earning this degree can fill out the FAFSA form to qualify for financial aid. Students can also transfer credits to finish their studies for less.

This accelerated program teaches communication majors about public relations, persuasion, interpersonal communications, and more. Students must also complete liberal arts and social science general education coursework.

2. Colorado State University

The online BA in communication studies at Colorado State University prepares students for careers in social media, human resources, and copywriting. Enrollees learn about civic engagement, media, and public speaking and can focus their studies on economics, business administration, or political science.

All students pay the same in-state rate of $476 per credit hour to earn this online bachelor's degree. Federal student aid, scholarships, and tuition discounts can make this program more affordable.

3. Minnesota State University, Mankato

Minnesota State University, Mankato offers an online Bachelor of Science in communication and media degree completion program for students who have an associate degree or have completed the MN Transfer Curriculum. The program teaches interviewing, multimedia storytelling, and more preparing learners for careers in journalism, public relations, and sales.

Tuition for this fully online program is $367.90 for all students. Enrollees can lower the cost of this degree with grants, scholarships, and other financial assistance.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Students interested in studying global communication and brand management while building their critical thinking skills can find a great program at Southern New Hampshire University. The online BA in communication teaches public speaking, social media strategy, presentation, and strategic storytelling at a tuition rate of $330 per credit hour.

Enrollees switching schools from a community college or a four-year university could save thousands by transferring their credits. SNHU also offers financial aid and grants credits for certificates, military training, and exams (e.g., CLEP) to reduce costs.

5. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University's online BA in communication studies teaches effective communication strategies through coursework exploring media writing, persuasive communication, and research methodology. Upon completion, learners will be ready to work as web developers, journalists, social media managers, nonprofit executives, and more.

All students pay $325 per credit hour to complete their studies. The university allows students to transfer credits for up to 75% of their degree requirements. After receiving the total allowed credits, students could pay just $9,750 to earn this college degree.

6. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online BA in communication studies that out-of-state enrollees can earn at a tuition rate of $499 per credit hour. Federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, and grants like the Maryland Resident Success Grant can help learners save.

This bachelor's program prepares online students for career opportunities in mass media, business, public relations, journalism, and beyond. Courses explore new writing, mass media law, and effective listening and include a communication studies capstone.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team selected the colleges and universities in the rank list above using a rigorous vetting process. Each institution has met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality experience in higher education:

  • Accredited: The institutions have received accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission, Higher Learning Commission, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Commission of Higher Education, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
  • Affordable: Schools above help reduce degree costs by offering scholarships, financial aid, lower tuition rates, or credits for transfer, work experience, or exams.
  • Reputable: We verified that the schools in this list are respected, considering factors such as student outcomes, graduation rates, and acceptance rates.

FAQs About Online Communications Programs

Do you want to learn more about online communication programs before choosing a school? Read answers to FAQs below.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Communications Degree Program?

While you can find great online communication programs for less than $500 per credit hour, the actual cost can vary. Factors that can impact tuition include enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time), degree type (i.e., bachelor's vs. master's vs. doctoral), and residency (in-state vs. out-of-state).

How Do I Pay for an Online Bachelor's in Communication Degree Program?

Some students pay for their online bachelor's degree out of pocket. However, data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) revealed that nearly 75% of all undergraduates received financial aid in the 2019-20 academic year. You can cover your degree with federal grants, loans, and scholarships. Also, look for online universities that accept transfer credits and grant credit for work experience, exams, and other prior learning.

What Can I Do With an Online Communications Degree?

If you want to continue your studies in the field, you can pursue an on-campus or online master's degree after earning an online bachelor's in communication. You can also start a career like the following:

  • journalist
  • campaign strategist
  • event planner
  • public relations coordinator
  • TV producer
  • media relations specialist
  • social media content creator

Explore Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

If you're ready to begin your journey toward an exciting career in communication, explore the degree programs offered by accredited institutions on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to discover how you can take the first step toward your desired career.