Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

Blake WeilGenevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
By
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Updated on April 9, 2025
Edited by
A degree in communication can help you launch your career in journalism, media, and public relations. Here’s our guide to the best communication degrees.

Communications professionals are needed in virtually every industry to effectively inform and persuade the public. A communications degree allows you to pursue roles in fields such as media, marketing, or public relations.

While a degree in communications can be useful for many different career paths, educational expenses can be daunting. Luckily, there are many affordable online communications degree programs you can pursue.

This guide will outline the most affordable online communications degrees and factors to consider when choosing a degree program.

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Benefits of Getting a Communications Degree

  • A communications degree teaches you how to effectively deliver information in a variety of ways.
  • Along with developing your verbal skills, this degree helps you strengthen your technical and storytelling writing abilities.
  • A communications degree is highly versatile and makes you marketable to employers in many fields.
  • Communications majors can work in a variety of roles, such as public relations professionals, speechwriters, or journalists.

The Most Affordable Online Communications Degree Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

The University of Texas Permian Basin

  • Location-markerOdessa, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

A leader in hybrid education, The University of Texas Permian Basin supports in-person and online study across 32 bachelor's degree options. The bachelor of arts in communication is an impressive online program, equipping enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a communications career. After graduating, alumni can pursue careers or post-graduate study relevant to the communications field.

Students seeking career, academic, and financial guidance can benefit from career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources while enrolled. Eligible degree-seekers can benefit from financial aid opportunities such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants. The typical undergraduate leaner receives an average of $11,509 in financial aid.

The University of Texas Permian Basin at a Glance:

Type of School: Public

Admission Rate: 88%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,530

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,438

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $44,800

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,692
  • Out-of-state$18,962
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,948
  • Out-of-state$12,292
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled5,899
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment86%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

Colorado State University Global

  • Location-markerAurora, CO
  • 2 year
  • Online

Colorado State University Global, boasting a main campus in Aurora, offers 15 bachelor's programs across in-person and online learning modalities. The online bachelor of science in communications connects participants with industry-relevant knowledge and skill sets needed to succeed in the communications field. Enrollees can apply their learning to a career or towards a graduate degree.

Undergraduate students benefit from institutional support throughout their studies in numerous areas, including in academic and career advising. Learners also gain access to financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, depending on eligibility. The average undergraduate is awarded $4,518 in financial aid.

Colorado State University Global at a Glance:

Type of School: Public

Admission Rate: 98%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 27-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $8,400

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,400
  • Out-of-state$8,400
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,000
  • Out-of-state$9,000
  • Retention Rate56%
  • Acceptance Rate17%
  • Students Enrolled9,507
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

Trine University Online

  • Location-markerFort Wayne, IN
  • 4 year
  • Online

Located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Trine University supports both in-person and remote study opportunities across 16 bachelor's programs. The virtual bachelor of arts in communications connects students with industry-relevant knowledge and skillsets needed to succeed in careers or graduate studies in the communications field.

Degree-seekers can access career services, academic advising, and other success-geared resources while enrolled in the program. Enrollees also gain access to financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, depending on eligibility.

Trine University Online at a Glance:

Type of School: Private 

Admission Rate: 39%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 7-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,576

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,576

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,000

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,576
  • Out-of-state$9,576
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,350
  • Out-of-state$10,350
  • Retention Rate100%
  • Acceptance Rate22%
  • Students Enrolled8,230
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment96%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

Walden University

  • Location-markerMinneapolis, MN
  • 4 year
  • Online

Walden University, featuring a main campus in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers 20 in-person and online bachelor's degree options. The bachelor of science in communications connects participants with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the communications field. The program prepares attendees for careers and further graduate education.

The college supports students through institutional resources, including career services and academic advising. Enrollees may also gain access to financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships.

Walden University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private 

Student-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $10,139

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $10,139

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $46,100

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,313
  • Out-of-state$10,313
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$10,160
  • Out-of-state$10,160
  • Retention Rate0%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled44,223
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

The University of Minnesota Crookston

  • Location-markerCrookston, MN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

The University of Minnesota Crookston facilitates in-person and online learning across 38 bachelor's programs. For those interested in the communications field, the school's bachelor of science in communication is a wise choice. The program also prepares participants to complete graduate studies.

Resources such as career services, academic advising, and other success-geared programs can help students succeed while enrolled in the program. The financial aid office can assist learning in connecting with funding opportunities and determine their eligibility. The institution reports that 93% of all enrollees receive aid, with an average financial aid package being $11,628.

The University of Minnesota Crookston at a Glance:

Type of School: Public

Admission Rate: 72%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $10,438

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $42,500

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,478
  • Out-of-state$11,478
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate58%
  • Students Enrolled2,518
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment56%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

The University of Illinois Springfield

  • Location-markerSpringfield, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

The University of Illinois Springfield supports in-person and online study across 33 bachelor's degree options. For individuals seeking to advance in the communications field through flexible, hybrid study, the bachelor of arts in communication studies may be a good fit. Students can apply their knowledge and skillset to graduate-level studies in communications.

The school offers learners guidance throughout their studies through career services, academic advising, and other resources. Enrollees also gain access to financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, depending on eligibility. The college's undergraduate cohort receives an average of $12,371 in financial aid award package, per person.

The University of Illinois Springfield at a Glance:

Type of School: Public

Admission Rate: 77%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,592

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $16,120

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,500

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,645
  • Out-of-state$19,410
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,910
  • Out-of-state$16,146
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate84%
  • Students Enrolled4,661
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment83%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

The University of Missouri–St. Louis

  • Location-markerSaint Louis, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Individuals seeking flexible study can choose from a number of in-person or online bachelor's programs at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, including the bachelor of arts in communication. This robust degree equips graduates with industry-relevant knowledge that will serve them in their future communications careers.

Distance learners still have access to many institutional benefits, including career services and academic advising. Prospective enrollees should meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. The institution reports that 96% of all students receive aid, with an average financial aid package of $12,284.

The University of Missouri–St. Louis at a Glance:

Type of School: Public

Admission Rate: 58%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $11,328

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $29,970

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,700

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$13,440
  • Out-of-state$33,432
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,736
  • Out-of-state$35,040
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate57%
  • Students Enrolled14,815
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment42%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

Bellevue University

  • Location-markerBellevue, NE
  • 4 year
  • Online

Bellevue University, located in Bellevue, Nebraska, provides 61 bachelor's degree options in both in-person and online formats. The school's bachelor of arts in communication studies features rigorous study to prepare enrollees for future careers. The communications program also prepares students for the discipline needed to complete graduate studies if they choose that path.

Distance learners can still access the school's success-oriented resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their studies. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray the costs of an undergraduate degree.

Bellevue University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private 

Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,176

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $52,200

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,136
  • Out-of-state$8,136
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,682
  • Out-of-state$11,682
  • Retention Rate51%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled14,476
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment97%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

Northeastern University

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Online

Individuals looking for flexible study in an online format can choose from one of Northeastern University's 18 bachelor's degree options. The school's bachelor of science in digital communication and media is a great choice for those interested in communication careers. For participants interested in advanced studies, the program prepares them for postgraduate education as well.

Career services, academic advising, and other success-geared resources are available to learners while enrolled in the program. Students also gain access to financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, depending on their eligibility.

Northeastern University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private 

Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $12,984

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $57,800

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$48,464
  • Out-of-state$48,464
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$25,088
  • Out-of-state$25,088
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled7,471
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment57%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Most Affordable Online Communication Degrees

Arkansas State University

  • Location-markerJonesboro, AR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Individuals looking for flexible study opportunities can choose from one of Arkansas State University's 73 bachelor's degrees. The online bachelor of arts in communication studies is one such program, equipping enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a communications career. 

Prospective students should contact the school's financial aid counselors to find opportunities for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. Financial aid enables student success, with 98% of all learners receiving aid and 53% of all degree-seekers graduating.

Arkansas State University at a Glance:

Type of School: Public

Admission Rate: 67%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,232

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $10,800

Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $30,900

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,176
  • Out-of-state$13,248
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,534
  • Out-of-state$11,970
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled14,032
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment71%
  • AccreditationYes

Frequently Asked Questions About Communications Degrees