Online bachelor’s degree communications programs are the most convenient way for undergraduate students to gain competitive training and experience in today’s marketplace. Editors, interpreters, public relations specialists, and technical writers can earn some of the best salaries in the field and require a bachelor’s degree at the entry level. Thankfully, there is no shortage of online communication degrees to choose from.
These programs don’t stop at simple communications. If you are prepared to take your career to a new level, consider a media communications degree online, a strategic communications major, or even a concentration in corporate communications. Each degree listed can bridge the gap between entry-level jobs ($41,000 to $50k a year) and more technical careers that can breach over $74,600 annually at just the bachelor level. Yet even with these glowing prospects, the price of college programs can set students back far beyond an above-average salary. So where are the affordable online communication degrees with the best curriculums, most flexible options, and greatest opportunities for career advancement?
GetEducated compared 148 online communication degrees from 113 regionally accredited colleges and universities to create this ‘Best Buy’ ranking. Our rankings reveal the most affordable options in the United States—65 options for online bachelor’s degree communications programs for under $51,500.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$51,500
Least Expensive: University of Florida ~$15,501.60
Most Expensive: Albertus Magnus College ~$141,768.00
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online bachelor’s degree communications programs. The online communications degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2022 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree Communications
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Florida | (FL) | $15,501.60 $66,314.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Utah Valley University | (UT) | $24,040.00 $68,368.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Weber State University | (UT) | $24,912.16 $33,360.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $25,689.99 | All Students |
5 | Montana State University-Billings | (MT) | $25,701.12 $44,188.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $27,225.60 | All Students |
7 | Lewis-Clark State College | (ID) | $27,953.00 $80,977.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Florida International University | (FL) | $28,286.72 $42,333.92 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $28,930.00 $37,410.00 $30,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
10 | Ohio University | (OH) | $29,064.00 $29,424.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $30,960.00 | All Students |
12 | Southern Utah University | (UT) | $31,693.00 | All Students |
13 | Valley City State University | (ND) | $32,776.00 $39,140.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | (AR) | $33,600.00 $25,980.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
15 | Central Methodist University | (MO) | $33,675.00 | All Students |
16 | Louisiana State University-Alexandria | (LA) | $34,920.00 | All Students |
16 | Missouri State University Bachelor of Science in Communication / Health Communication 14 Bachelor of Science in Communication / Health Communication 14 | (MO) | $34,920.00 | All Students |
18 | University of Houston-Victoria | (TX) | $35,068.32 $84,028.32 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Lamar University | (TX) | $35,568.00 | All Students |
20 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $36,242.40 | All Students |
21 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $36,320.16 $49,265.76 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $36,332.00 | All Students |
23 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $36,900.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
24 | Northwest Missouri State University | (MO) | $37,080.00 | All Students |
25 | Waldorf University | (IA) | $37,325.00 $30,125.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
26 | Granite State College (part of University of New Hampshire) Bachelor of Science in Professional Communication 14 | (NH) | $38,360.00 $44,480.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | South College | (TN) | $38,400.00 | All Students |
28 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $38,550.00 $27,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
29 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $38,570.00 $61,730.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
30 | Lynn University | (FL) | $39,000.00 | All Students |
31 | The University of Texas Permian Basin | (TX) | $39,280.80 | All Students |
32 | University of Colorado Denver | (CO) | $40,800.00 $62,520.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
33 | Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $41,460.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
34 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $42,000.00 | All Students |
34 | Florida Southern College | (FL) | $42,000.00 | All Students |
36 | Black Hills State University | (SD) | $42,150.00 | All Students |
37 | King University | (TN) | $42,350.00 | All Students |
38 | University of Southern Maine | (ME) | $42,575.00 $60,695.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
39 | Washington State University | (WA) | $43,320.00 $48,288.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
40 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | (WI) | $44,055.60 $100,452.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
41 | West Texas A & M University | (TX) | $45,456.72 $52,306.96 | In-State Out-of-State |
42 | University of Minnesota-Crookston | (MN) | $45,528.00 | All Students |
43 | Texas A & M University - Commerce | (TX) | $46,104.00 $95,064.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
44 | University of Missouri-St Louis | (MO) | $46,812.00 $123,612.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
45 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $46,888.00 $52,528.00 $33,688.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
46 | Saint Leo University | (FL) | $47,125.00 $31,525.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
47 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $47,140.00 | All Students |
48 | University of Akron | (OH) | $47,520.00 $62,000.64 | In-State Out-of-State |
49 | Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $47,850.00 $64,890.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
50 | Northwest University | (WA) | $47,880.00 | All Students |
51 | Indiana Institute of Technology | (IN) | $47,950.00 | All Students |
52 | University of Missouri-Columbia | (MO) | $47,952.00 $60,216.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
53 |  Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $48,100.00 $55,300.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
54 | University of Toledo | (OH) | $48,697.92 $49,297.92 | In-State Out-of-State |
55 | Liberty University | (VA) | $48,892.00 $32,092.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
56 | Palm Beach Atlantic University | (FL) | $49,184.00 | All Students |
57 |  Bay Path University | (MA) | $49,200.00 $42,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
58 | Franklin University | (OH) | $49,442.00 $31,090.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
59 | Abilene Christian University | (TX) | $49,800.00 | All Students |
60 | Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $50,040.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
61 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $50,189.00 | All Students |
62 | The University of Texas at El Paso | (TX) | $50,400.00 $64,800.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
63 | Oral Roberts University | (OK) | $50,792.00 $31,592.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
64 | Gordon College | (MA) | $51,180.00 | All Students |
65 |  Aurora University | (IL) | $51,200.00 $30,200.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Regent University | (VA) | $52,600.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Park University | (MO) | $52,875.00 $30,075.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of North Dakota | (ND) | $52,981.20 | All Students | |
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $53,840.00 $30,200.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Lancaster Bible College | (PA) | $54,000.00 | All Students | |
Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $54,648.00 | All Students | |
Grace Christian University | (MI) | $54,700.00 $36,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Northern Kentucky University | (KY) | $55,680.00 | All Students | |
Campbell University | (NC) | $56,070.00 $31,270.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $56,264.00 | All Students | |
Avila University | (MO) | $56,335.00 | All Students | |
San Diego Christian College | (CA) | $56,457.00 | All Students | |
Bellevue University | (NE) | $56,710.00 $33,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Johnson & Wales University | (RI) | $59,400.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $59,628.00 | All Students | |
Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $59,830.00 $30,070.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Massachusetts Global | (CA) | $60,000.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $60,480.00 | All Students | |
Mercer University | (GA) | $61,140.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $61,264.00 $31,264.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Concordia University Texas | (TX) | $61,360.00 | All Students | |
 Walden University | (MN) | $61,385.00 $52,561.25 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Louisville | (KY) | $61,468.00 $30,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Walsh University | (OH) | $61,600.00 | All Students | |
 Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $62,040.00 $35,760.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Mississippi College | (MS) | $62,896.00 | All Students | |
Central Penn College | (PA) | $63,861.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $65,393.00 | All Students | |
Regis University | (CO) | $65,610.00 | All Students | |
Lipscomb University | (TN) | $66,150.00 | All Students | |
National University (School Merged) Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications 14 | (CA) | $66,600.00 | All Students | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $67,375.00 | All Students | |
 Alvernia University Bachelor of Arts in Communication 14 | (PA) | $67,650.00 | All Students | |
Point Park University | (PA) | $68,320.00 | All Students | |
Ashland University | (OH) | $70,800.00 | All Students | |
Biola University Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies 14 Bachelor of Science in Public Relations & Digital Media Management 14 | (CA) | $72,480.00 | All Students | |
California Baptist University | (CA) | $79,107.00 | All Students | |
National Louis University | (IL) | $80,400.00 | All Students | |
Dominican University - New York | (NY) | $80,490.00 | All Students | |
Loyola University Chicago | (IL) | $89,020.00 | All Students | |
Cleary University | (MI) | $89,520.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $97,740.00 | All Students | |
Dallas Baptist University | (TX) | $129,880.00 | All Students | |
Rochester Institute of Technology Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts & Science / Communications 14 | (NY) | $135,120.00 | All Students | |
Albertus Magnus College | (CT) | $141,768.00 | All Students |
Accreditation & Program Notes
To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
AACSB AACSB International
IACBE International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
ACBSP Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
ACEJMC Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
Rankings Note
These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter 2021 review of regionally accredited online bachelor’s degree communications options. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online bachelor degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note
Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a bachelor’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for communications may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best online bachelor’s degree communications programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Career Guide: Online Bachelor’s Degree Communications
An online bachelor’s degree communications program prepares you for many different careers in a variety of industries. While there are certainly jobs that are clear and obvious fits for communications students, these programs deliver numerous skills that can apply to practically any position in any industry. Communicating, and the technology we used to communicate, is fundamental to all types of business and organizations. This is why graduates of these programs can find work in almost any area.
What to Expect from an Online Bachelor’s Degree Communications
Communications degrees are generally taught by a college or university’s business program. (They should not be mistaken for communication studies degrees, which are usually taught by a liberal arts department and generally focus on how people communicate in their everyday lives.) Communications usually focuses on communicating in business and organizations, including non-profit and government groups, and it often has a tilt towards communicating to reach a specific goal, such as selling a product or promoting a new government program.
Classes vary by school and the specific degree, but you can expect a variety of general studies courses, such as math, history, science, and literature. The program will likely include business classes, which are applicable to all business degrees. This could include accounting, marketing, business leadership, and organizational management.
Eventually you will take classes that are specific to an online bachelor’s degree communications program. These will include various studies that make you a stronger communicator within an organization. Classes may include public speaking, technical writing, communications in the digital age, and managerial communications.
Communications, while a specialization in and of itself, can be focused to an even more focused discipline. There are many types of communications degrees, including, to name just a few, marketing and communications, media communications, communications management, and strategic communications.
We certainly can’t detail all the different types of communications degrees, but it helps to look at a few in more detail. Strategic communication, for example, is the use of communication to reach a specific goal or outcome, usually a business- or organizational-related goal. It’s communication with deeper planning, often with an end goal that is relatively large. Classes in a strategic communications degree may include communication planning, conflict resolution, decision-making strategies, and the use of mass media by businesses and organizations.
An online bachelor’s degree communications program could also take the form of media communication. This area of study helps you understand the various forms of media (websites, television, radio, etc.) and the way they can be used to communicate different messages. Classes in this type of communications degree may include broadcasting, media marketing, audiovisual communication, and media technology.
There are numerous types of communications programs available to aspiring students. Regardless of which one you select, you’ll be prepared for numerous careers, many that are high-paying and in high demand.
Popular Careers in Communications
While you can work in a countless variety of occupations with a communications degree, these are some of the most popular options…
Training & Development Manager
- Salary: $115,640
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Experience: At least 5 years
With an understanding of communication, including organizational and interpersonal communication, you would be the perfect candidate for work as a training and development manager. These professionals develop and execute training plans for new employees, creating a staff that can meet the needs of organizations and businesses.
The pay for this career is excellent, as the median is over $115,000 a year. However, the top 10% in this profession can expect even higher salaries, the top development managers earn over $200,000 annually. The growth for this career is also strong. Between 2020 and 2030, this profession is expected to grow by 11%, so there should be options for people who understand communication and training.
This career, however, requires experience. Managers in this profession need to have roughly five years of experience, usually working as a training specialist before working in leadership and management.
Public Relations Manager
- Salary: $118,430
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Experience: At least 5 years
Public relations, commonly referred to as “PR,” requires excellent communication. PR managers identify audiences and find the best way to reach them. They shape an organization’s identity and work to maintain a positive image among the general public. Specific task may include speaking to media, writing press releases, completing market studies, and assigning roles for a PR team.
While experience is once again required (usually as a PR specialist or fundraiser), the pay can be outstanding. Good public relations is so important that the top 10% in this profession earn over $208,000 a year. It’s also expected to grow by 13%, making it a stable as well as lucrative occupation.