6 Most Affordable Online Communications Degrees in Texas 2025

Communication studies degrees can lead to career paths in public and private sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some popular career paths for communications graduates include public relations specialists, journalists, and technical writers. Multiple affordable online colleges in Texas offer communication degrees that can prepare graduates for entry-level careers as well as graduate degree programs.

Low-cost online communication degrees offer students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of communication skills, as well as more specialized skills needed for careers in strategic communication, business communication, and media writing.

Affordable Online Communications Degree Programs in Texas

Multiple top-ranking schools across the Lone Star State offer online bachelor's degrees in communication. Students can choose from multiple specializations to prepare for certain career goals in the communications field.

1. Texas State University

Texas State University offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in communication studies. Online students will work with skills related to persuasion, creating written and oral messages, and small group communication. Students can also select a minor or use electives to expand their education into related fields like business administration, media production, or healthcare administration.

Online courses at TSU cost $404 per credit hour.

2. University of Texas at San Antonio

The online Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Texas at San Antonio includes courses on digital media, public relations, and organizational communication. This bachelor's program has two specialization options allowing students to further focus their studies on digital communication or public relations.

UTSA students pay $500 per credit hour no matter where they live. Online courses don't require the same additional fees as the on-campus courses at this college.

3. Texas Tech University

Students can complete a fully online Bachelor of Arts in digital media and professional communication at Texas Tech University. This degree includes many soft communication skills, such as research methods, critical thinking, and ethical contexts of communication strategies. This undergraduate program prepares learners for global and intercultural communication.

In-state students pay $447 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $460.

4. Lamar University

Lamar University offers students a Bachelor of Science in communication degree. This degree covers various communications skills related to new media, such as social media and digital advertising. Graduates of this online degree program will be prepared for careers as marketing specialists, public relations specialists, and journalists.

Students enrolled in online programs at Lamar University pay $314 per credit hour.

5. The University of Texas Permian Basin

The Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Texas Permian Basin has four individual specialization tracks. Online students can choose from general communication studies, strategic messaging, professional communication, and sports media. Communications majors complete similar core coursework before focusing on their specialization's skillset.

UTPB students pay $362.34 Per credit hour for this online learning program.

6. Concordia University Texas

Students can complete an online BA in communication from Concordia University Texas. This online four-year degree has three concentration options: interpersonal communication, public relations, and visual communication. Despite being a fully online learning program, students participate in internships, capstone projects, and public speaking programs to gain hands-on skills.

The online tuition rate at Concordia University Texas is $550 per credit hour, but students can qualify for financial aid programs, like scholarships and grants, to reduce these costs.

Other Affordable Online Communications Programs

Students in Texas can find enrollment opportunities nationwide to study communication theory and skills. These programs can help learners find programs that best suit their career field, educational goals, and budget.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Arts in communication. This program has multiple concentration opportunities, such as business communication, new media, professional writing, and public relations. Students will learn in-demand industry skills including branding, global communication, and presentation.

The online tuition rate at SNHU is $330 per credit hour.

2. Drexel University

The online Bachelor of Arts in communication from Drexel University prepares students for careers as copywriters, marketing communication specialists, and social media managers. Skills covered in this degree program include planning conferences, communication theory, and mass media methodologies.

This online program costs $473 per credit hour.

Our Selection Criteria

Evaluating online communications degree programs involves multiple methods. We focused on three main criteria when selecting these programs, but students should always consider their own budget, educational, and career goals.

• Accreditation: We selected accredited programs that will prepare students for entry-level careers, as well as for master's degree programs, including affordable online MBA programs.
• Affordability: We found programs that either cost less than $500 per credit hour or offer financial aid that can bring costs below this threshold. We also picked online colleges that accept transfer credits to reduce total costs.
• Flexibility: Online learning removes many barriers caused by on-campus learning. We selected programs with self-paced and asynchronous learning opportunities that allow students to continue working.

FAQs About Online Communications Degrees

Texan students often have questions about online communications degrees. These questions are often about the cost, any prerequisites, and career outcomes of these programs.

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

The average cost of an online degree is around $41,000 nationwide. Students can find lower average tuition costs at nonprofit and public schools. Online colleges that accept FAFSA are also generally more affordable than schools that don't.

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

Admission requirements for online communication degree programs will vary from school to school, but most programs are designed for students new to higher education. Unless you attend a degree completion program, most programs don't require prerequisite courses.

What Can You Do With an Online Communications Degree?

An online communications degree can lead to various careers in marketing, journalism, and other forms of mass communication. Depending on your degree's concentration, you can pursue careers in social media management, corporate communications, and technical writing.

Discover Online Programs and Apply Today

If you're looking to work in the communications field, an online degree is a great place to start. Use our school profiles to learn more about the degrees offered in Texas and beyond, including admission requirements and degree outcomes. Find the best programs for your goals so you can start your application process today.