Affordable Online Communications Degrees in New Jersey 2025

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth for communication-related fields, including public relations, social media management, and more. To help aspiring communication majors find convenient degree programs, affordable online colleges in New Jersey and other states have begun offering undergraduate programs with multiple concentration options.

These affordable online communications degrees can help students learn the fundamentals of communication theory and various methodologies related to written, oral, and digital communications without relocating or having to go on campus.

Affordable Online Communications Degree Programs in New Jersey

Students preparing for a communication career path can find two in-state opportunities from top-ranking New Jersey schools. These online programs allow students to earn degrees while maximizing the flexibility and affordability of online degrees without sacrificing state-based financial aid programs.

1. William Paterson University

Students at William Paterson University can earn a Bachelor of Arts in communication online. In addition to core coursework covering communication fundamentals, students can use electives to specialize this degree. Common electives include intercultural communications, social media communication, and organizational communication. Students must complete 30 credit hours through WPU but can transfer the rest from another university or a community college.

Online tuition rates at WPU are $372.75 per credit hour for this degree.

2. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University's online Bachelor of Arts in communication can be completed as a full degree or as a degree completion plan. This undergraduate degree can be used as part of an online bachelor's degree to master's degree program. Students will develop skills related to creating and analyzing mass media and mass communication methodologies.

Students with full-time enrollment (nine credit hours or more) pay flat-rate tuition. New Jersey residents pay $3,419 per semester while out-of-state students pay $4,428.

Other Affordable Online Communications Programs

If you can't find an in-state school that aligns with your career goals, multiple out-of-state programs provide additional specialization options. These programs allow learners to develop in-demand communication skills through convenient online courses.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Arts in communication with four concentration options. Students can choose from business communication, new media, professional writing, and public relations options.

Online undergraduate students at SNHU pay $330 per credit hour, regardless of residency or enrollment status.

2. Drexel University

Drexel University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in communication from its main campus in Pennsylvania. This online learning program prepares students for career opportunities such as political campaign managers, brand managers, and internal communication managers. Students can also use this degree as the base for an online Master of Science in strategic and digital communication offered by Drexel.

Online students at Drexel pay $473 per credit hour, a 52% savings compared to the in-person version of the degree.

3. Western Governors University

Western Governors University students can earn a Bachelor of Science in communications degree online. Coursework includes communication planning, research methods, and using KPIs to evaluate messages. Students at WGU complete as many self-paced courses as they choose to in six-month sessions, allowing most students to complete the equivalent of a four-year degree in 19 months.

Students pay $3,955 per six-month session, regardless of course load.

4. University of Cincinnati

Students at the University of Cincinnati can enroll in a Bachelor of Arts in communication program as a four-year degree or degree completion program. To promote flexibility, students can alternate between full-time and part-time enrollment as they see fit. Coursework in this degree program includes public speaking, media studies, and a communications capstone project.

Online learners at the University of Cincinnati pay a flat rate of $6,988 per semester with full-time enrollment.

5. University of Arizona

The online Bachelor of Arts in communication at the University of Arizona teaches in-demand skills such as research methods to help build messages, general communication theories, and more. Graduates will be prepared for career opportunities in fields including advertising, public relations, and human resources.

Online tuition is $525 per credit hour at the University of Arizona, regardless of residency.

6. University of Kentucky

Students at the University of Kentucky can earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in communication through a degree completion program. The Bachelor of Science is a better path for students either with more general education credits. The Bachelor of Arts includes more elective credit hours, which can make it a better fit for students with more advanced transfer credit plans. This degree teaches oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Online tuition costs $624 per credit hour, but this can be reduced with financial aid.

Our Selection Criteria

Choosing the best higher education program for your career and educational goals can be hard. We focused on three main criteria while selecting these programs.

• Accreditation: Accreditation ensures that your degree meets educational standards and can prepare you for careers and graduate programs.
• Flexibility: Online learning provides flexible alternatives to in-person classes. We selected asynchronous and self-guided programs to promote the most flexible learning experiences. These programs allow students to continue learning without sacrificing work or family responsibilities.
• Affordability: We looked for programs that cost under $500 per credit hour after financial aid has been applied. Priority was given to online colleges that accept FAFSA and offer their own grant and scholarship packages.

FAQs About Online Communications Degrees

Online communications degrees can come with multiple concentrations and lead to diverse career opportunities. With so many options, it is easy for students to have questions about these degrees including costs, prerequisites, and specializations.

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

The average cost of an online communication degree program is can be anywhere from $28,000 to $90,000 in total according to U.S. News. Students can find the lowest average tuition costs at nonprofit and public schools. Tuition totals are also lower at online colleges that accept transfer credits due to lower credit requirements.

What Are the Prerequisites for Enrolling in an Online Communications Degree Program?

Most online communications degree programs don't have prerequisites. Degree completion programs will require an associate degree or equal credits, but these are usually general education or liberal arts courses and not required courses.

What Types of Specializations Are Available in an Online Communications Degree Program?

Students can participate in multiple specializations including professional communication, strategic communication, and social media. Each program will have slightly different specialization options with some having formal concentrations while others just use minors or electives to add educational pathways.

Discover Online Colleges and Enroll Today

Use our school profiles to learn more about schools, their degree offerings, and admission requirements. Once you've narrowed down the best programs for your educational goals, use our contact forms to reach out to request more information or start your application process today.