Free Online Communications Degrees

A bachelor's degree in communications prepares students to showcase effective communication skills in personal and professional settings. Programs strengthen students' analytical, research, problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills.

An online communication degree grows these skills while enabling you to learn from the comfort of your home. But what if you don't have funds to pay for an online bachelor's degree? Elgibile students pursuing online communications degrees at schools like the University of New Hampshire and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh might qualify for free tuition.

Below, we'll discuss 10 schools with online communication programs offering free tuition to qualifying students. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about free online communication degrees.

10 Free Online Communications Degree Programs

Would you like to earn an online communications degree free of charge? There are many free and low-cost bachelor's degrees online, including communication programs. The following schools offer programs and aid that can reduce tuition costs to zero.

1. Washington State University

Washington State University's Global Campus offers an online Bachelor of Arts in integrated strategic communication that teaches how to communicate persuasively with target audiences. Enrollees learn branding strategy, social media management, market research, and other related concepts.

The College Bound Promise might help eligible attendees earn their degrees for free. This program fills a financial gap not covered by other aid. To qualify, students must apply in the 8th grade, graduate from a Washington high school, and meet family income requirements.

2. University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire offers a 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in digital communication with a graphic design option. Students learn marketing fundamentals and how to convey messages effectively. They also explore media design and information technology.

New Hampshire students with Federal Pell Grant eligibility could qualify for the Granite Guarantee. This free tuition program helps first-year, first-time students and eligible transfer graduates fill gaps between their total federal and state aid and in-state tuition costs.

3. Cleary University

Cleary University students can enroll in an online Bachelor of Business Administration program with a major concentration in business communications. Enrollees learn advanced media writing, design and production, business communication contexts, public relations, and more.

Free tuition could be available to Michigan residents who enroll as first-time, full-time students via the Cougar Country Promise. They must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), qualify for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship (MAS), and have a negative or zero Student Aid Index (SAI) to qualify.

4. The State University of New York at Albany

University at Albany - SUNY offers a 100% online Bachelor of Arts in communication that explores the concept of professional communication. Coursework builds online students' skill sets for marketing, public relations, and media careers.

Enrollees could earn a free degree through the Excelsior Scholarship Program, which grants free tuition to New York-based SUNY students from families earning $125,000 or less. To qualify, students must be enrolled at least full-time and complete 30 or more credit hours per year.

5. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is home to a 100% online accelerated bachelor's in communication studies that explores intercultural communication, public speaking, writing, advocacy, and more. Learners are prepared for public relations, sales, and marketing careers.

Earning a free online communications degree is possible via the Wisconsin Tuition Promise. This initiative pays up to four years of tuition for eligible Wisconsin students from families earning less than $62,000 annually.

6. Oakland University

Oakland University offers a 100% online BA in professional and digital writing for students who want medical writing, technical writing, and multimedia journalism careers. The 124-credit program explores business communication, digital storytelling, and social media writing.

Eligible incoming first-year students might qualify for four years of free tuition via the Golden Guarantee. Students must be Michigan residents and recipients of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and have qualifying family income.

7. CUNY School of Professional Studies

The fully online bachelor's degree in communications and media from the CUNY School of Professional Studies offers essential communication skills courses. It also explores social media, web design, new media, public relations, and journalism.

Enrollees can bring in up to 105 transfer credits from prior education and work experience to help reduce their degree costs. CUNY attendees from New York families earning $125,000 or less who meet all other qualifications could get free tuition through the Excelsior Scholarship Program.

8. Eastern Washington University

At Eastern Washington University, students can enroll in a BA in communication studies online and in person. The program explores mass media, research, and public speaking; it offers electives in communication studies or public relations.

Eastern Washington University participates in the College Bound Program to help eligible Washington students receive free tuition. Awardees receive funds for up to 18 quarters.

9. The State University of New York at Oswego

SUNY Oswego offers two 100% online programs for communication majors. The BA in public relations explores coursework covering persuasive writing, campaign development, ethics, and more.

The university also offers a BA in communication studies with a broadcast and mass communication focus degree completion program for transfer students. New York students who qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship Program as SUNY enrollees could earn their degrees for free.

10. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver offers an online BA in communication studies program exploring organizational leadership, nonprofit advocacy, and more. Students can choose concentrations in professional and organizational communication, rhetoric, and public culture.

The university's Roadrunner Promise (RRP) is a free tuition opportunity for new and continuing students. It covers Colorado students' shares of in-state tuition and mandatory fees for enrollees who qualify for up to 15 credits.

FAQs About Free Online Communications Degrees

Are you eager to enroll in a free or low-cost online communications program? Read the following frequently asked questions for more information.

Can I Take Communications Courses for Free?

You can take online communication courses free of charge that aren't associated with a degree program. Search for universities and online learning platforms that offer open online courses. You might be able to receive certificates after completing your free course to showcase your communication skills and help you qualify for jobs.

How Can I Make My Degree Free or Low-Cost?

Many schools offer scholarships, financial aid, and discounts to give students free or low-cost online communication degrees. However, you can reduce the cost of tuition even further by looking for programs offering credit for prior coursework and life experience and finding accelerated programs that require fewer credits to graduate.

What Can I Do With a Communications Studies Degree?

A communication studies degree explores interpersonal communication, public relations, organizational communication, and more opening doors to promising career paths. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a faster-than-average 6% annual employment jump for public relations specialists from 2023 to 2033.

Other great careers for communication studies degrees include human resources, sales, writing, and publishing. You could also enroll in a master's degree in communication program to pursue a higher-paying career.

Earn Your Degree Online

Begin an exciting journey toward a career in the communication field by exploring the accredited degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn how their programs can help you prepare for great career opportunities.