10 Most Affordable Online Communications Degrees 2025
Explore options for an affordable online communications degree and start your career in media and public relations. Find excellent programs and save on costs.
It has never been more accessible to earn an online degree in communications. Many of the cheapest online colleges provide online programs to meet the needs of students who want flexibility without sacrificing quality.
This article examines affordable choices to make sure that education is accessible to everybody, regardless of financial limitations.
These programs, which prioritize affordability without sacrificing quality, equip students with the skills necessary for a prosperous career in a variety of communication-related industries.
List of the Cheapest Communications Degrees Online
Starting a path towards an online communications degree has never been easier or more economical. The following list features 10 institutions that provide worthwhile programs at reasonable prices.
Every school offers a different method of instruction, so students are guaranteed to find a course of study that meets their requirements.
1. Purdue Global
Purdue Global offers a comprehensive online Bachelor of Science in Communication program.
This program requires students to complete 180 quarter credits, with the option to specialize in digital communication, among two other concentration areas. With a commitment of 15 to 18 hours per week, full-time students can complete their degree in four years.
The program is designed to be flexible, accommodating the schedules of working professionals and other non-traditional students. The cost per credit for this program is set at $371.
2. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) provides an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication, designed to be accessible with full-time access to the classroom.
The program covers a wide array of communication skills, including global communication, and branding, and requires students to complete 120 credit hours for graduation.
SNHU also offers a unique opportunity for students to take up to two graduate-level communication courses, allowing them to apply credits toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously.
The cost per credit is $330, making it a financially viable option for many students.
3. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville offers an online Bachelor of Communication program, available as either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.
The BA option combines liberal arts courses with core communication studies, while the BS option delves deeper into specific skills like copywriting. This program can be completed in just two years with transfer credits, offering a fast-track option for students.
With a cost of $527 per credit hour, the program is competitively priced, providing students with a valuable education in the field of communication.
4. University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program, designed to take four years to complete with a requirement of 120 credit hours.
The program prepares students for diverse careers in media, public relations, and more, ensuring they are well-equipped to communicate with culturally diverse populations.
The cost per credit hour is approximately $255.51, providing an affordable option for students seeking a comprehensive education in communications.
5. California State University Bakersfield
California State University Bakersfield provides an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication, specifically designed for transfer students looking to complete their bachelor's degree.
The program can be completed in just two years, with admissions beginning in the fall and spring semesters. Students in this program have the opportunity to pursue careers in various fields, including marketing and blogging.
The cost per credit is set at $335, offering an affordable path to a degree in communications.
6. Drexel University
Drexel University offers a unique online Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a focus on public relations. Students have the opportunity to transfer up to 90 semester credits towards their degree, shortening the time needed to complete the program.
Courses include PR writing, marketing management, and more, preparing students for careers as brand managers, journalists, and other related roles.
For the academic year 2023 to 2024, the cost per credit hour is reduced to $459.
7. Ohio University
Ohio University provides students with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Communication through its comprehensive online program.
The curriculum encompasses a variety of subjects including journalism and communication studies, offering a well-rounded education in the field. Ohio residents benefit from a reduced tuition rate of $307 per credit hour.
Transfer applicants are welcome, with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 required for eligibility. This program ensures that students gain the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in communications.
8. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Communication, structured around 40 classes each lasting seven and a half weeks. To earn their degree, students must complete 120 credit hours.
The program focuses on teaching students how to formulate persuasive, compelling, and clear arguments. Arizona residents enrolled full time, taking 12 credits per semester, will pay $12,429 per year.
This program is designed to equip students with the skills required for various professions in the field of communication.
9. Walden University
Walden University presents an online Bachelor of Science in Communication that can be completed in just 48 months. The program requires the completion of 181 quarter credits, with a culminating five credit hour capstone course.
Applicants under 21 years of age need a minimum of 12 quarter credits to be eligible. With an approximate total cost of $46,175, Walden University's program is an investment in a future career in communications.
10. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies requiring 120 credit hours to graduate.
The program includes courses in public relations theory, mass communication, and media studies, providing a comprehensive education in the field. In-state students enjoy a reduced tuition rate of $318 per credit hour.
Additionally, some courses are available in a hybrid format, giving students the flexibility to choose the learning style that best suits their needs. This program ensures graduates are well-prepared for various roles within the communications industry.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Communications Cost?
The cost of an online bachelor's degree in communications varies widely, ranging from $235 to $690 per credit hour. Students should budget between $28,000 to $90,000 on average for the full degree.
However, public universities often offer lower tuition rates for in-state students, which can significantly reduce costs.
It's crucial for prospective students to research and compare programs, taking into account additional fees for technology, textbooks, and other resources, to understand the full financial commitment.
How To Make an Online Communications Degree Affordable
Securing financial aid is a crucial step in making an online communications degree affordable.
Students should start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. There are many online schools that accept FAFSA giving students more options to reduce the cost of tuition.
Many universities also offer scholarships specifically for online students, and external scholarships are available from various organizations and foundations.
Students who have earned credits may look into online colleges that accept transfer credits to help get a head start towards completing their degree program.
Additionally, students can look into employer tuition reimbursement programs, which could cover a significant portion of tuition costs. By exploring these options and comparing program costs, students can find an affordable path to obtaining their communications degree.
Is an Online Communications Degree Worth It?
A communications bachelor's degree earned online can lead to a variety of job options in media, advertising, public relations, and other fields.
Higher education is more accessible because of the flexibility of online learning, which enables students to manage their studies with obligations to their families and jobs.
Even though there may be a significant upfront cost, the opportunity for professional growth and higher earning potential makes it an investment worth doing.
Employers in a variety of industries strongly respect the strong writing, speaking, and critical thinking abilities that graduates with a communications degree typically possess.
Over time, the program's expense is generally repaid in full by the opportunity for job advancement and income.
Find an Affordable Degree in Communications Near You
It's easier than ever to start down the path to a successful communications career. A top-notch education is accessible because of the abundance of reasonably priced online options available.
Take the first step toward investing in your future today, without going over budget, by finding a program in your state.