30 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Communications Degrees Online: Small Private Colleges

In this article, we profile the 30 most affordable online bachelor’s in communications at small private colleges. A degree in communications provides a foundation for a versatile career. Communication skills are necessary in a variety of fields, including:

• education
• journalism
• law
• media
• business

This versatile degree is one of the most popular majors at many colleges and universities. To accommodate demand, some of the nation’s private colleges are now offering an online bachelor’s in communications. We reviewed 83 accredited, small colleges and universities with an undergraduate enrollment under 10,000 and undergraduate tuition of less than $32,000. The pool of schools was collected from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. We looked at schools that meet our criteria and offer online bachelor’s in communications degrees or closely related programs. We confirmed accreditation and chose schools with national, regional, or program rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed our schools in order of raw affordability. Below are the resulting selections for our 30 most affordable online bachelor’s in communications programs from small private colleges.

#30 – California Baptist University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication Studies

Riverside, California

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $31,372 California Baptist University offers the accredited online bachelor’s in communications degree program. It’s designed to equip working professionals with a high level of proficiency in the development and delivery of presentations. Classes are taught by university professors and cover a wide range of communications topics. Some of these online courses include:

• communication principles for leadership
• communication theory
• global digital engagement
• media law and ethics
• rhetoric and persuasion
• rhetorical criticism

A total of 48 credits for the major are required, and the program may be completed in just 16 months. California Baptist is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 31st best regional university in the West and 30th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #23 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#29 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Bachelor’s in Communications

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $31,136 Southern New Hampshire University offers the online bachelor’s in communications program. It provides a foundation in communications and new media for interested students. The new media concentration emphasizes new platforms of communication, such as:

• online articles
• social media campaigns
• tweets

Courses are delivered entirely online and include classes like:

• communication in the digital age
• introduction to mass communication
• public relations
• public speaking
• social media
• social media marketing strategies
• writing for new media

A total of 120 credits are required to satisfy the degree. Southern New Hampshire University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 86th best regional university in the North and the 83rd best value school. Also, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks SNHU as the #1 most innovative school.

#28 – Fisher College

Online Bachelor’s in Communication and Media Studies

Boston, Massachusetts

Undergraduate Tuition: $29,640 Fisher College offers a bachelor’s in communications online degree program that explores communication and media studies. Small class sizes and personalized attention give students a favorable learning environment. In fact, the school prides itself on being a small institution in a big city. The program is offered both on campus and online. Classes include:

• communication theory
• introduction to human communication
• introduction to mass communication
• persuading and influencing
• public speaking

Fisher is an accredited and ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 32nd best regional college in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs have earned rankings in recent years.

#27 – San Diego Christian College

Online Bachelor’s in Communication

Santee, California

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $29,550 San Diego Christian College offers an accredited online communications degree program. It consists of a Christian approach to education and introduction to successful communication skills. The program is offered:

• online
• on campus
• as a hybrid degree

It takes four years to complete. For those enrolled in the online program, courses run five weeks in length and can be completed entirely online. Courses include:

• communication concepts in business
• public relations
• public speaking

San Diego Christian College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 11th best regional college in the West and 8th best college for veterans.

#26 – Colorado Christian University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication Studies

Lakewood, Colorado

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $29,360 Colorado Christian University’s online bachelor’s in communications program provides students with the knowledge of communications necessary to enter a wide range of professional positions. It’s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The program and school value quality curriculum that provides practical application and theoretical practice. All classes can be completed online and typically run in five-week blocks. Some of the required courses include:

• advanced interpersonal relations
• advanced public speaking
• argumentation
• communication law
• cross-cultural communication
• interpersonal communication
• small group communication

Colorado Christian University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.

#25 – Concordia University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication

Austin, Texas

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $29,260 Concordia University’s online communications degree program is 100% online and offers a concentration in public relations. This accredited program offers online courses that run eight weeks in length. Some of the courses, which are taught by university professors, include:

• conflict negotiation
• group dynamics
• intercultural communication experience
• mass media history and theory
• writing for the media and public relations

Admission to the communications program includes a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA on all college-level coursework. Concordia is ranked and accredited. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a top regional university in the West.

#24 – Removed by Editor

#23 – Roosevelt University

Online Bachelor’s in Organizational Communication

Chicago, Illinois

Undergraduate Tuition: $28,119 Roosevelt University’s communications degree online program provides students with an education that focuses on the relationship of communication to achievement. Classes run eight weeks in length and are delivered entirely online. Some of the courses offered in the program include conflict and negotiation, evaluation and uses of new communication media, foundations of leadership theory, organizational change, persuasion and presentation skills, and power and influence. For those interested in earning a master’s degree upon completion of the bachelor’s, two related programs are offered in human resource management and public administration. Roosevelt is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 109th best regional university in the Midwest.

#22 – Dominican College of Blauvelt

Online Bachelor’s in Communication Studies

Orangeburg, New York

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $27,438 Dominican College, a small private institution, offers an accredited online bachelor’s in communications program designed to form ethical leaders and innovative media practitioners. All classes are delivered online and taught by professors with experience in the discipline. Some of the online courses offered include business and global communication, communicating change, crisis communication, leadership, organizational communication, and public relations. The school offers a maximum of 70 credits transferred from an accredited two-year institution and up to 90 credits from an accredited four-year school. Dominican is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #202 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#21 – King University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication

Bristol, Tennessee

Undergraduate Tuition: $27,276 King University offers a communications degree online program that consists of 124 total semester hours. This completely online degree can be earned in just 16 months by taking flexible online courses. The courses are designed to provide useful communication, presentation, and writing skills. All classes are taught by King University professors. These courses include:

• advanced speech
• interpersonal communication
• leadership communication
• media communication
• professional communication
• public relations
• visual rhetoric

King is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 89th best regional university in the South. Also, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits the institution.

#20 – Webster University

Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications

Saint Louis, Missouri

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $26,300 Webster University offers an accredited communications degree online program through the School of Communications and Journalism Department. The BA in media communications helps students become familiar with several areas of communications, such as:

• journalism
• media
• public speaking
• rhetoric

Students must complete a series of courses and pass a portfolio review during their junior year. Some of the courses offered include:

• cultural diversity in the media
• ethics in the media
• introduction to mass communications
• introduction to media writing
• the law and the media

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 23rd best regional university in the Midwest and the 55th best value school.

#19 – Dallas Baptist University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication

Dallas, Texas

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $26,180 Dallas Baptist University offers a bachelor’s in communications online degree program that is flexible and personal. It provides practical skills needed to enter a variety of entry-level positions. A total of 120 credit hours are required with 30 major credits. The communication major requires courses in:

• communication styles
• leadership communication
• management communication
• nonverbal communication
• small group communication
• social media
• speech and interpersonal communication

Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA to be eligible for the degree. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 202nd best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #184 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#18 – Drury University

Online Bachelor’s in Organizational Communication and Development

Springfield, Missouri

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $25,905 The College of Continuing Professional Studies at Drury University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in communications program. This 124-credit hour program may be completed entirely online. It prepares students with skills in:

• advertising
• ethical issues
• psychology

Online classes include:

• contemporary workforce issues
• ethics and leadership
• foundations of organizational leadership
• leading and integrating technology in organizations
• negotiation and conflict resolution

Drury is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 26th best regional university in the Midwest and the 8th best value school. For those planning to attend graduate school, several programs are also available.

#17 – Geneva College

Online Bachelor’s in Public Relations

Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania

Undergraduate Tuition: $25,680 Geneva College offers an online bachelor’s in public relations program designed to prepare graduates to manage communication channels in the workplace. It explores many of the same topics taught in a communication program. Classes include:

• advanced public relations
• digital communication design
• introduction to public relations
• public relations publications
• quantitative analysis

A total of 120 credits are needed for graduation. Transfer credit is evaluated upon admission and may be applied. Geneva is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 75th best regional university in the North and the 3rd best value school.

#16 – Midway University

Online Bachelor’s in Marketing Communications

Midway, Kentucky

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $23,350 Midway University’s bachelor’s in communications online program is for students with interests in becoming graphic designers or writers in a creative business. The 100% online coursework allows students to keep their day job while earning a bachelor’s degree. Some of the courses include:

•  advertising principles
• consumer and audience analysis
• global brand management
• introduction to marketing communications
• writing for marketing communications

Midway is a top-ranked and accredited institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 89th best regional university in the South.

#15 – Waldorf University

Online Bachelor’s in Communications

Forest City, Iowa

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $21,260 Waldorf University offers an accredited online communications degree that prepares students for positions in the communications industry. Students have the option of earning either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Communications. Regardless of the pathway, similar classes in the major are required. These courses include:

• crisis management
• mass communications and society
• mass media law,
• media literacy
• news gathering and reporting
• visual theory

A total of 120 credits are required with 60 credits in the major. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Waldorf as a top regional college in the Midwest.

#14 – Central Penn College

Online Bachelor’s in Corporate Communications

Summerdale, Pennsylvania

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $18,714 Central Penn College offers an online communications degree that emphasizes corporate communications. This completely online bachelor’s degree prepares students with skills in:

• advertising theory
• journalism
• public relations
• writing

All classes are delivered online and include:

• communications law
• crisis communication
• organizational communications and leadership
• public relations
• writing for digital media

The school also offers the opportunity to participate in a communications internship for credit. Central Penn College is accredited and ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the North and is one of the more affordable schools on our list.

#13 – Mid-America Christian University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication, Media and Ethics

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $17,132 Mid-America Christian University offers one of the more affordable communications degree online programs on our list. It’s the online bachelor’s in communication, media and ethics. This completely online program consists of 124 credits and classes taught by university professors. Courses include:

• communication and cultural change
• communication research and presentation
• law and ethics for public relations
• organizational and corporate communication
• public relations research and design
• public relations research and management
• writing for mass and social media

Affordable tuition and accreditation make this school appealing to those interested in earning an online comm degree. Also, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a top regional university in the West.

#12 – Mississippi College

Online Bachelor’s in Communication

Clinton, Mississippi

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $16,740 Mississippi College offers an accelerated online degree program in communication. It’s for those interested in completing an undergraduate degree in a rigorous and fast-paced format. Five concentrations are offered so students can tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These concentrations include:

• interpersonal and public communication
• journalism
• mass media
• public relations
• sports media

Classes are delivered online and typically run eight weeks in length. The classes are designed to accommodate busy and working students. U.S. News and World Report ranks the university as a top regional institution in the South and the 12th best value school.

#11 – Post University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication and Media Studies

Waterbury, Connecticut

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $16,510 The online communications degree program at Post University includes an online bachelor’s in communication and media studies. This program is offered on campus or completely online. It includes two available concentrations so students can tailor their degree to meet career goals. These concentrations include:

• media arts
• organizational communication

Classes are taught by university professors and include:

• communication theory
• interpersonal communication
• mass media and society
• principles of communication and media
• speech communication

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the accredited school as a top regional university in the North.

#10 – Regent University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication Studies

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $16,438 Regent University offers a bachelor’s in communications online degree program with a concentration in journalism. The program adheres to teachings within a Christian framework. It focuses on developing:

• creativity
• character
• leadership skills

Classes can be taken entirely online or on campus. The same professors who instruct on campus teach these classes. Courses include:

• communication in the 21st century
• communication theory
• foundations of communication
• interpersonal communication
• narrative concept and development
• writing for strategic communication

U.S. News and World Report ranks Regent as a top national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #35 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#9 – Kaplan University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication

Hagerstown, Maryland

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $14,325 The online communications degree programs at Kaplan University include the online bachelor’s in communication. This 100% online degree program is ideal for students interested in continuing their education toward a master’s degree. Kaplan offers flexible pathways toward a graduate degree. The bachelor’s in communication program requires a series of communication and public speaking courses that are taught by experienced Kaplan instructors. These courses include:

• communicating in a diverse society
• communication program and profession
• communication research skills
• interpersonal communication
• public speaking for the professional
• technical communication

Kaplan is an accredited institution that has also received recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest.

#8 – National University

Online Bachelor’s in Strategic Communications

La Jolla, California

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $13,016 National University’s online bachelor’s in communications degree program prepares students for leadership positions in:

• corporate communications
• marketing
• public relations

The program is conveniently designed as an online program and offers the same courses and curriculum  found in the on-campus counterpart. Core courses include:

• communication research methods
• communication theory
• interpersonal communication
• media management
• professional presentations
• strategic writing

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs have earned a ranking of #131 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#7 – Brandman University

Online Bachelor’s in Marketing

Irvine, California

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $12,300 While not a typical online bachelor’s in communications degree, Brandman University offers an online bachelor’s in marketing with a four-class module in communications. Students take a wide range of business and marketing classes, as well as communication courses. These courses are delivered online and include:

• interpersonal communications
• oral communications,
• two levels of written communications

Brandman is an accredited institution that has earned rankings with major publications. U.S. News and World Report ranks Brandman as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #94 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#6 – Ottawa University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication

Ottawa, Kansas

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $12,205 Ottawa University offers accredited online communications degree programs, including the Bachelor of Arts in Communication. This program helps prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in a wide array of settings. Courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include:

• communication law and ethics
• critical listening
• interpersonal and intercultural communication
• interpersonal communication
• media writing
• organizational communication
• speech preparation and delivery

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Ottawa as the 42nd best regional college in the Midwest. Ottawa offers one of the more affordable online bachelor’s in communication degree programs on our list.

#5 – Walden University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $12,075 Walden University’s online bachelor’s in communications degree is a 135-credit hour program that can be completed entirely online. Classes are taught by experienced Walden educators. The program begins with a common core of courses that emphasize interdisciplinary theory and methods. It offers three concentrations so students can later tailor their degree. These concentrations include:

• the general program
• media studies
• public relations

Some of the core courses include:

• communicating through media and technology
• crisis communications
• dynamics of group communication
• interpersonal communication
• principles of public relations

Walden is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university.

#4 – Franklin University

Online Bachelor’s in Communications

Columbus, Ohio

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $11,881 Franklin University’s bachelor’s in communications online program prepares students to lead change and development in the communications field. A total of 120 semester hours are required to satisfy degree requirements. Courses are delivered entirely online and taught by Franklin professors. These courses include:

• communication ethics
• communication in groups and teams
• intercultural communication
• marketing research
• organizational communication
• quantitative and qualitative methods for decision making

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.25 in the major area and a cumulative GPA of 2.00 to graduate. Franklin is accredited and recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#3 – Wilmington University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication

New Castle, Delaware

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $10,670 Wilmington University’s communications degree online program is designed for busy professionals. It’s for those who want to in areas of:

• advertising
• media relations
• social media

All courses are delivered online. Up to 90 credits may be transferred and applied toward the bachelor’s degree. Some of the online courses required include:

• communication ethics
• communication theory
• legal aspects of communication
• managing crisis communication
• media and society
• technical communications and project management

The program also offers two concentrations so students can tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These concentrations include integrated marketing and media communication. Wilmington is a private, accredited university that has been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked in the top 346 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#2 – National Louis University

Online Bachelor’s in Applied Communications

Chicago, Illinois

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $10,380 National Louis University offers an accredited online communications degree program. It prepares students for the dynamic and competitive field of communications. This online program is for working professionals who require the flexibility that an online degree offers. The program also offers a concentration in entrepreneurship, which may also be completed online. Courses are taught by university professors and cover a series of communication and public relations topics. These courses include:

• contemporary media communications
• innovation from the inside
• organizational communication and conflict management
• professional communications
• public relations for the 21st Century
• social media networking

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank this affordable institution among the top 300 national universities in the country.

#1 – Bellevue University

Online Bachelor’s in Communication Studies

Bellevue, Nebraska

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $7,365 Bellevue University offers the most affordable online bachelor’s in communications degree program on our list. The private college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.  It’s ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Bellevue’s online bachelor’s programs #153 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. The communication degree may be completed entirely online. It’s designed for individuals who want to pursue careers in:

• corporate communications
• journalism
• media
• public affairs

Classes include:

• communication in the digital age
• critical thinking and communication
• oral communication skills

A mass media emphasis is also offered. Students can take additional classes in this specialized area of communication. Bellevue University offers the most affordable online bachelor’s in communications on our list. Related Resources:

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