The field of Communications is a fast-growing and ever-expanding field that encompasses a wide variety of career paths including public relations, advertising, corporate communication, campaign management, journalism, and more. Demand is growing in each of these professions and a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Communications is sure to find a rewarding career in a variety of fields. Below is a list of schools that offer an online bachelor’s degree in Communication taking only cost into consideration. These are the cheapest online bachelor programs in Communication, including both the bachelor of science and the bachelor of arts degrees. Program tuition does not include fees — check directly with the institution for a full list of costs. Our data was taken from the university websites.
#1. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University is a public university based in Hays, KS. FHSU enrolls approximately 11,200 students each year, 6,000 of which are enrolled in online degree programs through the “Virtual College.” 
The “Virtual College,” which began in 1999, currently offers 19 bachelor’s degrees and 10 master’s degrees entirely online. FHSU’s Bachelor of Science in Business Education – Corporate Communication is earned through the Department of Applied Business Studies which emphasizes combining applied business learning with theory. This degree prepares graduates for a wide variety of careers as directors of human resources, directors of communications, public relations specialists, and in media relations among many others. This degree requires 124 credits for completion with 36 credits within the Corporate Communication Concentration Core.
Accreditation: Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $25,668
#2. Arkansas State University
Located in Jonesboro, AK, Arkansas State University is a public research university, often called “A-State.” “A-State” was founded in 1909 as an agricultural school 
and has since grown into a university with over 75,000 alumnae and degrees from the associate level to the doctoral level in nearly every area of study. A-State’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies degree is a versatile degree that prepares graduates for success in almost any career path. Students graduate as effective interpersonal, professional, and organizational communicators with both a deep knowledge base of communication theory and exposure to experiential learning. Required courses include Mass Communication in Modern Society, Principles of Argumentation, and Communications Research Methods. Electives include Principles of Persuasion, Narratives in Health and Healing, and Crisis Communication. This degree requires 120 credits for graduation.
Accreditation: Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $27,960
#3. Lamar University
A member of the Texas State University System, Lamar University is a public research university located in Beaumont, TX. 
LU’s Bachelor of Science in Communication degree offers multiple start dates throughout the year allowing students to take courses at their own pace through accelerated 8-week sessions or through more traditional 15-week sessions. This degree combines communication theory with practical application and prepares graduates for a variety of careers in sales, advertising, film, broadcasting, corporate communications, A/V production, law public relations, and corporate training among many others. Courses include Media Writing, Political Communication, Advertising Principles and Practices, and Corporate Training and Development. This degree can be completed in as little as 48 months with 120 credits needed for graduation.
Accreditation: Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $29,760
#4. Valley City State University
Valley City State University, located in Valley City, ND, is a public university that is part of the North Dakota University System. VCSU offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Professional Communication with multiple concentrations. 
The BA and BS in Communications – Corporate Concentration prepares students for careers in public relations, corporate training, marketing, corporate education development, and executive recruiting. This concentration explores organizational, interpersonal, and intercultural skills in marketing, training, and development. The BA or BS in Communication – Digital Media Management Concentration prepares students for careers in a variety of fields such as advertising and marketing, public relations, media sales, campaign directing, professional blogging, or media relations. This concentration emphasizes digital media formats and management while also developing skills in communication theory, public relations, social media management and website design. The BA or BS in Communication – Journalism and Media Communication Concentration prepares graduates for careers in newspaper reporting, journalism, advertising and marketing or as research specialists or columnists. This degree develops skills in journalism, digital media, public relations and media convergence while exploring print, broadcast, and digital communication. All three of these concentrations offer internships toward the end of the program giving students an opportunity to further apply what they’ve learned in areas such as technical writing, major event planning, corporate training, marketing, and at places as diverse as radio or television stations and realty offices. Each of these concentrations, whether a BA or a BS degree, require 120 credits for completion with 24 of these within the concentration.
Accreditation: Valley City State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $30,600
#5. Waldorf University
Waldorf University is a private liberal arts school located in Forest City, IA that offers both traditional and online degrees.
Their Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree requires 120 credits for graduation, 60 of which are fulfilled by the General Education Core Requirements and 60 of which are Major Requirements. Courses within the major include Graphic Core, Mass Communications and Society, News Gathering and Reporting, Mass Media Law, Radio Production and Web Design. This degree program emphasizes practical experience and uses state-of-the-art technology. While there are no extra costs for books, each student is required to have a Mac computer with the minimum specifications needed to operate Adobe Creative Cloud.
Accreditation: Waldorf University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $34,200
#6. University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Part of the Texas state university system, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) is a growing university in Odessa, TX in the heart of oil country. The Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree can be completed
entirely online in as little as 12 months with 8-week sessions and six start dates throughout the year. Courses include Interpersonal Communication, Rhetoric in Western Thought, Modern Media and Society, Crisis Communication, and Organizational Communication. The online classes are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus and the program places an emphasis on professors’ mentoring of students. Graduates finish the program with a broad set of skills that can be used in a variety of professions including journalism, advertising, politics, management, law, social services, medicine and many others.
Accreditation: The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $34,560
#7. Lynn University
Based in Boca Raton, FL, Lynn University is an independent non-profit university with traditional on-campus degrees which also offers online degrees through it’s program, “iLynn.” “iLynn” gives students the option of taking accelerated terms with easy transfer of college credits, and with no SAT/ACT required for admission. It’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree affords students the opportunity to 
focus on their particular interests within their major alongside core curriculum requirements from the very first semester. Courses include Media Literacy, Persuasion and Propaganda, Communication Law and Ethics, and Advertising, Public Relations, and Society. Graduates of this program will be ready for careers in a wide range of professions including journalism, marketing, public relations, and special issues lobbying.
Accreditation: Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $35,400
#8. Drury University
Drury University is a private liberal arts school located in Springfield, MO that offers online undergraduate degrees through the College of Continuing Professional Studies. Its 
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication and Development provides a strong foundation in communication, leadership, and organizational principles while also offering students a broad base in psychology, advertising, conflict resolution, and ethics. Courses include Theories and Models of Leadership, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Leading Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, and Grant Writing. 120 credits are required for degree completion.
Accreditation: Drury University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $37,076
#9. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private non-profit university located between Manchester and Hooksett, NH with nearly 4,000 students on campus and over 60,000 online students in 200+ online degree programs. 
SNHU’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication offers three concentrations – New Media, Professional Writing, and Public Relations. The BA in Communication degree emphasizes communication theory and industry-specific concepts that will prepare graduates for a variety of professions including journalism, media management, copy writing, and account executive positions. Courses include Business Communication, Public Speaking, Graphics and Layout in Print Media and Organizational Communications. The BA in Communications – New Media concentration gives students the opportunity to delve more deeply into issues surrounding new – or digital – media which is shifting every day. New media technology, social media research and marketing, and content production for new media platforms are examples of subjects covered within this concentration. The BA in Communications – Professional Writing offers classes such as Introduction to Journalism, Writing for Public Relations, and Technical Writing to prepare graduates as specialists in corporate, government, agency, and nonprofit communications. The BA in Communications – Public Relations concentration is designed to strengthen the student’s ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, clients, and the general public in a Public Relations career. Courses include Electronic Public Relations, Public Relations Campaign Planning Seminar, and Social Psychology. Each of these concentrations require 120 credits for graduation.
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $38,400
#10. Clarion University
Clarion University, located in Clarion, PA, is a public university that is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. 
It’s Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies – Communication Concentration is held within the school’s Communications Department and is designed for those who want a career in corporate communication, media management, journalism, or other mass-media related fields. Courses include Introduction to Mass Media, Introduction to Human Communication, and Media Writing. Tuition rates are even lower than what is listed below for Pennsylvania residents and are listed on the school’s website here. Clarion University also offers scholarships that are specifically geared toward online students in addition to major-specific or need-based scholarships.
Accreditation: Clarion University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Tuition: $39,120
