Finding an affordable online Bachelor’s of Communication and Public Relations degrees is not as hard as one would think; dozens of schools around the country have begun making this popular degree available to students, regardless of delivery method. And as the field changes, with more and more engagement taking place online, students are beginning to see the true benefit of completing an undergraduate degree, including better-paying positions and more exciting prospects.
Most students are overwhelmed by all of the options they have before them. Online programs have a variety of flexible options, complete with different delivery methods as well. There are also residency options and requirements, capstone projects to consider, and acceleration features that can be enticing to students. This is why this ranking has been created; to ensure that all students have access to the information they need in order to make a decision.
Methodology
Every ranking begins with a simple search for “online Bachelor’s of Communication and Public Relations degrees” on the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database. An initial group of 50 schools was identified using this search and made up the base ranking. From there, each school was individually reviewed and assigned points based on the following factors:
Average Cost of Attendance:
Based on one year of attendance at 15 hours per semester.
Under $7,500 – 3 Points
$7,500 – $15,000 – 2 Points
$15,001 and above – 1 Point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
10:1 or less – 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 Points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 Point
The 35 schools that made the list were chosen based on tuition rates and student to faculty ratios. They are listed below in descending order.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Bachelor’s in Communication and Public Relations Degrees
35. Franklin University
Columbus, Ohio
Points: 3
Program Website
Franklin University confers an affordable online Bachelor’s of Communications that is perfect for both pre-service and early-service professionals. This cheap online degree program comes with the option to transfer in as many as 94 credit hours and the opportunity to personalize the program to meet the student’s needs. This is a 100 percent low cost online program with no residency requirements. With small class sizes and a renown faculty, it is a great choice for those who are interested in diving head-first into this field. This inexpensive online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Communication Ethics, Organizational Communication, and Communication in Groups and Teams.
In-State Tuition: $15,780
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,780
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
34. The University of Colorado at Denver
Denver, Colorado
Points: 3
Program Website
Students interested in a low cost bachelor’s online in communications should check out the University of Colorado at Denver. This cheap online program is offered 100 percent virtually; there are no residency requirements. There are four concentrations available with this program: community service and public affairs, global and intercultural communication, media and cultural studies, and health communication. Students will be able to take these specializations wholly or mostly online; residency requirements do exist for some specializations. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Public Speaking, Fundamentals of Communication, and Introduction to Media Studies.
In-State Tuition: $14,940
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,940
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
33. Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Points: 3
Project Website
Colorado Christian University confers an affordable online BA in Communication Studies that will be perfect for students interested in a general degree. This cheap bachelor’s degree program is offered online with five-week sessions, making it possible for students to complete this degree faster than an on-campus program. Students will have the opportunity to learn from practicing professionals in small classes, enabling them to have individualized attention during their course of study. Students may also transfer up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited institution. This cheap online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this low cost online degree and its program requirements can be found by contacting the school’s admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $14,070
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,070
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
32. The University of Minnesota at Crookston
Crookston, Minnesota
Points: 3
Program Website
Students interested in completing an affordable online BS in Communications can find what they need at the University of Minnesota at Crookston. This cheap online bachelor’s degree program comes with three emphasis areas: communication studies, organizational communication and public relations, and writing. Students will enjoy taking on this wholly online program; please note that some specializations will require campus visits. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Communication Technology Trends, Communication Theory, and Human Relationships and Leadership.
In-State Tuition: $13,364
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,364
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
31. Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Points: 3
Program Website
Northern Arizona University is home to an affordable online Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication Studies degree. There are two concentrations available: general communication and organizational communication. Both will help working adults with their career goals, whether it be to enter the workforce after graduation and transition to graduate or law school. With small class sizes, attentive professors, and a full suite of online services, students will be well prepared to take on any challenge that may face them in this cheap online bachelor’s degree program. This low cost online degree requires that students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this inexpensive online degree, including program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $13,164
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,164
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
30. Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Points: 3
Program Website
The affordable online BA in Communication Studies that is available from Northern Kentucky University was designed to teach students how human interaction works on every level, from personal interactions to the digital world. This is a 100 percent online, cohort degree that is aimed at preparing students to take on a variety of positions once they have completed their degree. Students will find that small class sizes and a fully dedicated online staff will help them meet their goals. This cheap online bachelor’s degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Interpersonal Communication, Culture and Communication, and Strategies of Persuasion.
In-State Tuition: $13,110
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,110
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
29. The University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Points: 3
Program Website
The University of Memphis is a great school for students interested in an affordable online Bachelor’s in Global Public Relations. The cheap online bachelor’s degree program is fully accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. This low cost online degree is aimed at preparing students to communicate in all forms available, including digital media and traditional forms of communication. Students will find that alongside a wholly online degree, they will also be taught by the same professors who teach on-campus, enabling them to earn the high-quality degree that the school is well-known for. This inexpensive online bachelor’s degree program requires that students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree, including a sample list of course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $12:,600
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,600
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
28. Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
Points: 3
Program Website
The affordable BS in Communications online that is offered by Bellevue University is one that was designed to prepare all professionals to work in the communications and public relations landscape that currently exists. This 100 percent cheap online degree features practical professionals in the role of instructors and a full suite of online services. The curriculum consists of traditional and current industry practices, ensuring that students are kept up to speed on what is currently happening in the field. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this low cost online degree, including a sample list of course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $12,450
Out-of-State: $12,450
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 31:1
27. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide
Daytona Beach, Florida
Points: 3
Program Website
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide offers students a unique and affordable online BS in Communication. This cheap online bachelor’s degree program was specifically designed for students who are interested in the relationship between technology, communication, and science. Students will find that this inexpensive online degree program is perfect for those who wish to work in communication workspaces in the STEM field. This low cost online degree requires that students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, an internship, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree, including sample courses and internship requirements, can be found by contacting the school’s admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $12,390
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,390
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
26. The University of Wisconsin at Superior
Superior, Wisconsin
Points: 3
Program Website
Communication and public relations students will feel at home at the University of Wisconsin at Superior. This affordable bachelor’s degree, while offered online with little to no residency requirements, is unique in the sense that it offers both academic and practical knowledge to the students. One benefit of this inexpensive online degree is that all students will graduate with a practical portfolio that they can use when searching for a job. Concentrations include general communication or theatre and digital filmmaking. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Communication Inquiry, Communication in Conflict, and Group Communication Processes.
In-State Tuition: $11,940
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,940
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
25. Midway University
Midway, Kentucky
Points: 3
Program Website
Midway University is home to an excellent affordable online Bachelor’s of Marketing Communications degree. This inexpensive online degree program features affordable tuition, small class sizes, and the opportunity to meet faculty face-to-face during intensives. Students will find that there is a strong technology bent to this cheap online bachelor’s degree; as the field begins to utilize more technology, professionals will need to learn how to work various software programs, all of which is covered in this program. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this low cost online degree and its requirements can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $11,850
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,850
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:16:1
24. Lamar University
Lamar, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
Students enrolled at Lamar University have the chance to complete the affordable online Bachelor of Science in Communication degree. This low cost online bachelor’s degree has several concentrations, including broadcasting, corporate communications, speech training, and film studies. Students will find that this cheap online degree program thrives on individualized attention; class sizes are kept small and the same professors who teach the courses on-campus also teach them online. This inexpensive online degree requires a minimum of 124 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree and its requirements can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $10,092
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,630
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
23. The University of Maryland University College
Largo, Maryland
Points: 3
Program Website
The University of Maryland University College is home to an exceptional affordable online Bachelor’s of Communication Studies degree. This cheap online degree program will help professionals who are interested in online communication, business, and journalism. Students will love that this low cost bachelor’s degree program has no residency requirements; this degree can be earned entirely online. Small class sizes and a dedicated online staff also ensure that the student is fully supported during their time with the university. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Mass Communication and Media Studies, Communication and Gender, and Mass Media Law.
In-State Tuition: $8,820
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,970
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
22. Mid-America Christian University
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Points: 4
Program Website
Students interested in an affordable online Bachelor’s of Communication and Public Relations will no doubt want to take a look at Mid-America Christian University. This school provides students with the chance to complete a BS in Communication, Media, and Ethics. This low cost online degree program focuses on digital media and the ethics surrounding it, something that is necessary for the field right now. Students will want to know that field training is required for this degree; there are no residency requirements and they can finish this requirement in their community. Small class sizes make this a great choice for students who wish to have individualized attention during their studies. This cheap online degree program requires that students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, an internship, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this inexpensive online degree and its requirements can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $26,370
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,370
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
21. Webster University
St. Louis, Missouri
Points: 4
Program Website
Webster University delivers an affordable online BA in Media Communications that will be perfect for pre-service and early-service professionals. This cheap online degree will challenge students with concepts and theories before guiding them into industry practices and standards, ensuring that they are well prepared to take on any role in the field after graduation. This is a low-residency program; students will be expected to take a few trips to campus during their degree. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 128 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, a portfolio review, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Introduction to Media Writing, Introduction to Media Production for Journalists, and Ethics in the Media.
In-State Tuition: $21,750
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,750
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
20. Point Park University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Points: 4
Program Website
Students interested in carving a path for themselves in the communication landscape will want to pay attention to Point Park University. This school confers an affordable online BA in Public Relations and Advertising that pulls together technology and marketing. This is a wholly online course of study; there are no residency requirements. With small class sizes and eight-week sessions, students may finish this degree in just two years. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 122 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this low cost online degree, including program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $13,650
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,650
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
19. Upper Iowa University
Fayette, Iowa
Points: 4
Program Website
Upper Iowa University is home to an excellent cheap online Bachelor’s in Communication Studies degree. This school offers students the chance to complete a wholly online degree with no residency requirements. Concentrations include sports communication, mass media, and communication studies. Combining technology and industry practices, students will be taught all they need to know to be pioneers and leaders in the field. This school features small class sizes, trained professors who are certified in online education, and a full suite of online features. This affordable online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree and its requirements can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $13,620
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,620
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
18. San Diego Christian College
Santee, California
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online BA in Communications degree that is available from San Diego Christian College was built for pre-service professionals who are interested in the leadership skills that will see them rise to the top of the field. With a strong Christian perspective at hand, this cheap online bachelor’s degree program will lead students into steward leadership, all from the comfort of their own home. Students will be able to take a variety of directed electives aimed at helping them tailor this program to their needs. This low cost online degree requires a minimum of 123 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Media Literacy and Persuasion Theory, Intercultural Communication, and Conflict Resolution and Negotiation.
In-State Tuition: $13,560
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,560
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
17. Oral Roberts University
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Points: 4
Program Website
Oral Roberts University doesn’t mince around with education; this school confers the affordable online Bachelor’s of Communication and Public Relations degree entirely online with no residency requirements. Students will be able to complete the low cost BS in Digital Communication online, a brand-new offering that is sure to pique the interest of self-motivated learners. This cheap online degree focuses on communication on social media and online, making it a great choice for students who wish to work for cross-media platforms to ensure that the message to the audience is never lost. This inexpensive online degree requires a minimum of 123 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, an internship, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Cross-Platform Writing, Digital Storytelling, and Digital Photography.
In-State Tuition: $11,550
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,550
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
16. The University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine
Points: 4
Program Website
Students interested in an affordable bachelor’s degree in communication should look to the University of Southern Maine. This cheap bachelor’s degree program is offered entirely online with live and on-demand course options. Students will learn everything from the relationship between communication and technology to how to speak to an audience across a variety of platforms. With small class sizes, experienced professionals, a dedicated online staff and a focus on hands-on training, this is a great choice for students who are ready to take the next step with their education. This low cost online degree program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, a capstone project, an internship, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree, including program requirements and sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admission office.
In-State Tuition: $10,170
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,170
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
15. Granite State College
Concord, New Hampshire
Points: 4
Program Website
Granite State College confers a cheap online BS in Communication Studies that is perfect for driven professionals both in and out of the field. This low cost online degree was designed to provide students with the analytical and communication skills necessary to deliver effective messages across different platforms. This school also offers an affordable online degree in digital media that may be suitable for students who wish to focus solely on that aspect of the field. Students will benefit from small class sizes, a way to transfer in credits, and a full suite of online features. This inexpensive online degree requires a minimum of 124 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Media and Strategic Communication, Foundations of Digital Media, and Website Development.
In-State Tuition: $9,420
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,650
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
14. King University
Bristol, Tennessee
Points: 4
Program Website
Students who want to enroll at King University will be given the chance to complete a low cost online BS in Communication. This affordable online bachelor’s degree was designed to prepare students for leadership roles in which communication will be key. This 100 percent online degree has no residency requirements and focuses on teaching students everything about communication, including conflict management, soft leadership skills, and writing skills. Small class sizes, attentive professors and a dedicated online staff make this program the perfect place for serious learners. This inexpensive online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Editing for Special Topics in Communication, Ethics in Communication, and Visual Rhetoric.
In-State Tuition: $9,150
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,150
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
13. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable BA in Communications at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin was designed to be offered entirely online, making it a great choice for students all over the country. This cheap online bachelor’s degree program has no residency requirements and features a dedicated online staff, seven-week sessions, and six start dates every year. It is possible to complete this entire degree in two years should students choose to study full-time. Students will be able to learn everything about communication, including concepts and theories as well as industry practices and standards. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Rhetoric in Western Thought, Small Group Communication, and Measurement in Communication.
In-State Tuition: $9,111
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,111
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
12. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, Arkansas
Points: 4
Program Website
Students interested in an affordable online BA in Applied Communication degree will want to check out the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This low cost degree program is offered online with some residency requirements; this depends on the electives that a student chooses. Students will find that this program is in keeping with industry standards and practices; courses vary from technology and digital media to interpersonal communication and leadership skills. With small class sizes and a dedicated online faculty and staff, students are supported throughout every step of their education. This program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, an internship, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Introduction to Communication, Persuasive Presentations, and Communication Ethics.
In-State Tuition: $8,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
11. Indiana University – East
Richmond, Indiana
Points: 4
Program Website
Indiana University – East is unique in that it offers two affordable online Bachelor’s of Communication and Public Relations degrees. The low cost online Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts are both great choices for students; the only difference comes in whether students want an academic or practical view of the field. Both of these cheap bachelor’s degree programs are available entirely online with no residency programs. However, please note that both programs are completion in nature; students will need to have completed at least 60 credit hours of coursework prior to enrolling. This inexpensive online degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, an internship, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Communication Research Methods, Communication Theories, and Foundation of Journalism and Mass Communication.
In-State Tuition: $8,226
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,140
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
10. Valley City State University
Valley City, North Dakota
Points: 4
Program Website
Students at Valley City State University will have the chance to complete an affordable Bachelor’s of Communication and Public Relations degree entirely online; there are no residency requirements. There are three concentrations: journalism and media communication, corporate communication, and digital media management. Students at this school will benefit from small class sizes, a dedicated online faculty and staff, and a full suite of online features. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this cheap online bachelor’s degree, including program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $8070
Out-of-State Tuition: $8070
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
9. Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Points: 4
Program Website
Arkansas State University confers the affordable online Bachelor’s of Communication Studies degree that is perfect for working adults. This low cost online bachelor’s degree program is fully accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. This inexpensive degree can be completed entirely online with no residency requirements. Students will find that this school has accelerated courses, meaning that they may complete this program in two years. This school also features trained online professors, small class sizes, and a dedicated online staff. This cheap online degree program requires that students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Principles of Persuasion, Interpersonal Communications, and Narratives in Health and Healing.
In-State Tuition: $7,447
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,447
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
8. Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Points: 4
Program Website
Students interested in an inexpensive online Bachelor’s of Communication and Public Relations degree should check out Ohio University. This 100 percent online degree was designed to help professionals who choose to work both in the private and public sector of the field. Please note that the Bachelor of Science in Applied Communication was designed as a completion degree; students must have either an associate’s degree or 60 credit hours from a regionally accredited university in order to enroll. Students will love the fact that the cheap online degree program features small class sizes, a dedicated online staff, and a full suite of online features. This low cost online degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree, including sample course offerings and program requirements, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $7,200
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,200
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
7. Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Points: 4
Program Website
Fort Hays State University confers the affordable online Bachelor of Science in Business Education with a concentration in Corporate Communication degree. This low cost online degree was specially designed for working adults that need a flexible degree that can be tailored to their interests. This cheap bachelor’s degree program is offered entirely online with no residency requirements. Students will find that the small class sizes and the trained online faculty and staff will only serve to support them during their time in the program. This inexpensive online degree program requires that students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Leadership Concepts, Marketing Principles, and Introduction to Corporate Communication.
In-State Tuition: $6,560
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,560
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
6. Southern Utah University
Cedar City, Utah
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online Bachelor’s of Communication degrees found at Southern Utah University comes in two forms: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science. This cheap online degree program also comes with three concentrations: strategic communication, communication studies, and media studies. Students will be able to complete this degree online with little to no residency requirements. This low cost online degree program also requires an internship that will take place in a students community. Other requirements for graduation include 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this inexpensive online degree and sample course offerings can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $6,006
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,822
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
5. The University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Points: 4
Program Website
The University of Central Florida confers the affordable Bachelor’s in Communication and Conflict degree entirely online; there are no residency requirements. It is highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Students will find that this is one of the most affordable degrees on this list, ensuring that they will have the ability to complete it on their own time. A dedicated online faculty and staff will help navigate the student through the full suite of online features for the perfect online education experience. This low cost online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, an internship, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $5,375
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,515
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
4. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Points: 4
Program Website
Florida International University has the distinction of providing two different low cost online communication degrees. The school confers the affordable Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and the Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication online with little to no residency requirements. Students will find that both of these cheap online degrees were designed to prepare students with the leadership, marketing and communication skills that will be required of them in the field. While program requirements vary, both degrees will require 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree can be found by contacting the school’s admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $5,312
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,121
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
3. East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Points: 4
Program Website
East Carolina University is home to the affordable online Bachelor’s of Communication in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication degree that is well known in the state. This cheap bachelor’s degree program is offered entirely online with little to no residency requirements. Students will find that the program is supported by trained professors, small class sizes, and a variety of online programs. This low cost online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this inexpensive online degree, including program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s graduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $4,992
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,489
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
2. Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Points: 4
Program Website
Students interested in completing an affordable online communication degree will want to check out Appalachian State University’s BS in Communication Studies. This cheap bachelor’s degree program is offered entirely online as a full-time plan of study; transfer credits totaling 54 credits are welcomed by the school. Students will learn everything they need to know about the field from industry experts and retired professionals. This inexpensive degree program is offered entirely online with no residency requirements. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Interpersonal Communication, Small Group Communication, and Public Speaking.
In-State Tuition: $4,890
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,906
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
1. Montana State University at Billings
Billings, Montana
Points: 5
Program Website
Montana State University at Billings offers students the chance to choose between a low cost online Bachelor of Science in Public Relations or the Bachelor of Arts in Communication. The affordable online BA in Communication offers two concentrations: organizational communication and mass communication. Both degrees are available wholly online; students will never have to attend campus. Regardless of degree choice, students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on the cheap online degrees can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $6,909
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,671
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Public Relations?
- Marketing Executive
- Vice President of Communications
- Public Relations Manager
- Digital Strategist
- Social Media Strategist
- Event Planner
- Digital Marketing Coordinator
- Public Relations Account Executive
- Content Creator
- New Media Producer
- Social Media Manager
- Freelancer or Consultant
- Brand Strategist
- Communications Director
- Political Campaign Director
How Much Can You Earn in the Communications/Public Relations Field?
The salary range for the combined fields of communications and public relations is between $40,800 to over $150,000. This range takes into account all entry-level, mid-level, and high-level positions as well as positions that may require extra training and education. It does not take into account any adjustments in salaries, such as cost-of-living or size of firm and company; also not included are any potential forms of compensation, such as bonuses or commissions.
One thing to note about the public relations and communications field is the wide range of professions available. Professionals who choose to specialize in a certain field, such as sports, entertainment or politics, will find that their salaries may be higher than a professional that has a general degree. However, specializations, or expertise, in this case, may come through actual work in the field, enabling a professional to point to their work as a demonstration of their competency in the area. This will provide them with the opportunity to move forward with commanding higher salaries.
What are the Various Disciplines of Communication and Public Relations?
Communication and public relations is an umbrella field that encompasses various professions that communicate both to each other and the public. The main disciplines of this field include communication, public relations, writing, psychology, public speaking, marketing, management, intercultural and cultural studies, and technology.
Technology is the new main discipline that can be difficult to understand. With the advent of the Internet, the field now requires professionals to be adept at communicating online through social media and professional channels. Students will find that most programs will require a few courses on the relationship between technology and communication or offer directed electives in digital media and public relations.
Within the fields are also specializations. Some schools separate public relations and communications into different programs, both with their own concentrations. Some of these specializations include business communication, community service and public affairs, digital media and strategy, and organization communication.
Is it Possible to Tailor an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Public Relations?
Yes, it is possible to tailor an online bachelor’s degree in this field to certain interests. Students will note that their interests may not be accommodated by all programs. There are certain factors that need to be considered, including whether a program is considered to be general in nature, specializations offered, and whether the program offers free or directed electives.
A general degree is a broad degree that focuses on the foundation of knowledge necessary to be successful in the communication and public relations field. These programs can be very specific on whether a student can tailor their program; the school may not have any electives offered, especially if the program is an online accelerated course of study. Most programs, however, do have some elective choices to ensure that their students have the education that they will need in their career.
The second factor is whether specializations are offered and, if so, what kind. Many programs will feature at least one or two specializations within the field; these vary by school and by the professors that are employed. The specializations at most schools are supported by practicing or retired professionals in that core area, which is why schools generally are proud of the specializations that they offer.
This also means that these schools may offer the courses that a student is interested in. For example, if a student wishes to work in the entertainment industry, they may want to complete a program that has a specialization in the field. Even if they don’t want to complete the specialization itself, they will still have access to those courses by virtue of being in the program.
The final factor that students will want to consider is whether the school offers free or directed electives. Free electives generally mean that a student can choose their own electives that are available online. Directed electives are electives that can be found on a list that the department has chosen for that program. The difference is important; free electives can be taken from just about any department while directed electives are advanced courses within the communications and public relations field. Students will need to pay attention to this when making their choice on a tailored program.
Do Online Degree Programs Take Transfer Credits?
Many online degree programs take college credit from different schools. However, not all do, so students will want to make sure that they look over the transfer credit policy for the particular program that they are interested in. There are also other factors to consider, such as time limits for transferrable credits, whether the credit was earned from a regionally accredited or non-accredited institution, and whether the courses eligible for credit would be useful to the student in the program they want to pursue.
Schools that take transfer credit often have time limits; this is to say, how long ago the credit was earned in order for it to be applicable to the current program that a student is interested in. Some schools will take credits as old as seven years, others will only take credits from the five previous years. This is because courses change over time and credits older than the time limit may no longer be applicable for the field.
The second thing to consider is where the credit was originally earned. Schools often only take transfer credits from a regionally accredited institution because it knows that the credit was earned from a quality institution. Unaccredited college credits can be used, but it is an uncommon practice. Students who do know if their previous school was accredited should look the school up in a search engine and ask if that school has accreditation.
The final thing to consider is whether or not the college credits earned are useful to a student and the program they want to attend. At the bachelor’s level, students often earn their general core requirements first; humanities and science courses that are introductory are the most common. In this sense, these credits would be useful to the student as it would enable them to focus on upper-level courses. However, if a student began a degree in engineering and completed their junior year, which is considered upper-level, and they wanted to switch to a communications or public relations degree, they would have to complete another junior year worth of credits because the engineering courses would not count towards their degree.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the 35 Top Value Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Communication and Public Relations.
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