Affordable Online Communications Degrees in West Virginia 2025

A communications degree can help you thrive in virtually any career path. Perhaps you live in West Virginia and would like to pursue an online program in communications, but you're worried about paying for your education. You're wondering if there are there any schools that offer affordable online communications degrees in your state?

Read on as we discuss some of the top programs for you to consider, both in-state and out-of-state. We'll also answer some questions you may have about pursuing higher education online.

Affordable Online Communications Degree Programs in West Virginia

There are two affordable online colleges in West Virginia with communications degrees. Let's take a closer look at each of these programs.

1. West Virginia University

West Virginia University (WVU) is a large public school with its main campus in Morgantown. It provides an online Bachelor of Science in integrated marketing communications. Additionally, three online master's degrees in communications are also available. The bachelor's program helps students develop in-demand communication skills specifically geared toward marketing professions.

This flexible online degree program costs $468 per credit hour. Students with a military background can take advantage of tuition discounts, and scholarships and other forms of financial aid are also available.

2. American Public University

American Public University is a private online college headquartered in Charles Town. Students at this school can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in communication. The degree provides flexible online courses on a range of topics and allows students to tailor their degree to their career goals by choosing a specialization in digital communication and media design or strategic communication.

Those attending this university pay a base tuition rate of $350 per credit hour. Military-affiliated students pay lower rates, and all students have access to scholarships, loans, federal aid, and more to help them save money.

Other Affordable Online Communications Programs

When attending an online school, you don't have to pick one close to home; you can study from anywhere. Let's look at some top out-of-state online schools offering communications degree programs.

1. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a public school in Kansas. It is known for providing many affordable online degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies. This four-year degree program provides a range of courses in interpersonal communication, digital media, and more to prepare students for many different types of careers.

All online students pay the same affordable tuition rate of $257.33 per credit hour. Students can pursue online-specific scholarships to help them save money, and other financial aid options are also available through the FAFSA.

2. Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University is a public school in Utah. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in communication studies. The flexible coursework for this program teaches students various methodologies of communication while helping them improve their skills in interpersonal and organizational communication and public speaking.

Online tuition for the program costs $255 per credit hour. Scholarships, federal aid, loans, and work-study programs can all help students afford their education better.

3. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University is a public school with physical locations throughout Georgia. It also provides online degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in media and communication. Students in this program take courses in topics like communication theory, digital storytelling, and media criticism and can choose from the following specializations:

• sports broadcast production
• film production
• public relations

All online students, regardless of location, pay the same affordable in-state tuition rate of $174 per credit hour. The school offers many additional resources to help students save on their degree, including scholarship opportunities and need-based financial assistance.

4. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a public school with a large online enrollment. It provides a flexible online Bachelor of Arts in communications that is a great option for both full-time and part-time students. The degree covers many topics pertinent to mass communication, making it an excellent program regardless of students' career goals.

The online degree costs $263.18 per credit hour. Students with an associate degree or significant college experience can transfer credits to save time and money; additional sources of funding, like scholarships and grants, are also available.

5. Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University is a private school located in Missouri. It provides online degrees for students throughout the country, including Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs in communication. These programs help students improve speaking, listening, and writing skills, preparing them for various careers in fields like journalism, marketing, and public relations.

Students studying online are charged $275 per credit hour for these degree programs. They are encouraged to apply for scholarships, complete the FAFSA for state aid, and seek out other sources of funding to help them graduate affordably.

Our Selection Criteria

The schools in our rank lists go through a rigorous vetting process to ensure both affordability and quality. We used the following criteria to choose the schools above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by an approved accrediting body such as the Higher Learning Commission.
• Tuition rates: Every school above provides affordable tuition rates of less than $500 per credit hour or $12,000 per year.
• Financial aid availability: All programs come from online colleges that accept financial aid through the FAFSA and other sources. Many of the schools offer their own aid packages and scholarships as well.

FAQs About Online Communications Programs

If you still have questions about getting your undergraduate degree in communications online, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some common questions you may be wondering about.

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

Some schools require students to take specific prerequisite courses before being accepted into their communications degree programs. However, these requirements vary by school. Most schools require students to meet some basic admissions requirements aside from taking specific courses. These requirements may be seen as prerequisites for enrolling in a program and often include:

• high school diploma or GED
• official transcripts
• a minimum GPA (usually 2.0)

What Can You Do With an Online Communications Degree?

According to U.S. News, an online communications degree can prepare students for many different roles in business, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, education, and more. Common job titles to consider as a communications major include:

• human resources manager
• social media manager
• public relations specialist
• digital strategist
• web producer

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

Tuition costs can vary based on factors like whether you attend an online college that accepts transfer credits, whether you earn a bachelor's or master's degree, and which school you enroll in. Among the colleges outlined above, tuition rates range from $174 to $468 per credit hour for online bachelor's degrees. Additional fees and expenses may also contribute to the overall cost of your education.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're ready to become an online student, consider the colleges and universities featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools listed to request information about online programs, admission requirements, and more so you can determine which school is right for you.