What you’ll learn in this article…
- Indiana communication tuition ranges from roughly $8,357 to $48,450 per year before financial aid.
- Ball State, Indiana University Bloomington, and Purdue Global all offer fully online or hybrid options.
- Top program graduates earn median salaries well above the state average for media and communication workers.
- Schools like Butler and Ball State accept over 85 percent of applicants, easing the path for transfers.
Choosing a communication program in Indiana usually comes down to a tradeoff between sticker price and program depth: in-state tuition at public institutions like Purdue and Indiana University sits near $10,000 to $12,000 a year, while private campuses like DePauw, Butler, and Taylor list closer to $40,000 to $59,000 before aid lowers the actual net cost.
Indiana hosts close to 30 institutions granting bachelor's degrees with a communication focus, spread across Big Ten research universities, regional public campuses, and small private colleges. Formats range from fully on-campus tracks at places like Marian and Huntington to online and hybrid options at Ball State and Purdue Global, with concentrations covering organizational communication, journalism, professional writing, and public relations.
Ten-year median earnings for graduates of these programs vary by more than $30,000 depending on the school, so picking the right fit matters. Below, we break down rankings, costs, career outcomes, and financial aid to help you make a confident decision.
Top Communication Programs in Indiana, Our Rankings
Every program below is campus-based, and each pairs classroom theory with client projects, newsroom work, or required internships. The cards summarize what each school is known for, the communication degrees it offers, and the institution-wide graduation rate as a general completion signal rather than a measure of one major. Net price figures are averages after grant aid and vary with residency, family income, and the aid package a student receives.
How we ranked these
- On-time completion rates
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Program fit for communication careers
- Retention rates and student-faculty ratios
- Net price after grant aid
- Original research on individual programs
- Federal institutional data (NCES-IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- State cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities — bea.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Program-level records maintained in house
Purdue University
#1West Lafayette, IN · ~$15,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Customization-focused students wanting many concentration options
Purdue's Brian Lamb School of Communication gives students a customizable path built on four shared foundation courses before they choose among eight concentrations, including public relations and media and mass communication. Learning happens through real client projects, a student-run PR agency, and study abroad terms that build internships into the experience. The Degree in Three track and combined bachelor's and master's options let motivated students finish faster, and Purdue's STEM-heavy campus makes its graduates appealing to Indiana employers who need communicators fluent in technical subjects.
- 43 credit hours in the major after four shared foundation courses
- Eight concentrations, including public relations and media and mass communication
- Student-run PR agency Boiler Communication with real client projects
- Degree in Three track with summer scholarships
- Study abroad terms in London, Sydney, and beyond with internships built in
- Combined bachelor's and master's programs for faster graduate study
- About 400 undergraduates working with 28 faculty members
- 120 total credit hours with a 2.67 pre-communication GPA requirement
- Experiential learning requirement built into the degree
- Degree in 3 option for students who want to finish early
- Prepares graduates for public relations, advertising, and fundraising roles
- More than $20,000 awarded in annual scholarships
- Alumni mentoring and networking through the Brian Lamb School
- 120 total credit hours with a digital media production focus
- Communication theory paired with experiential learning projects
- Degree completion in three years is possible
- Multiple specialization options within the media track
- Undergraduate research opportunities
- Strong faculty mentorship
- Established program with more than 30 years of history
- Internship opportunities with editing and publishing employers
- Available as either a major or a minor
- Small student-to-faculty ratio in the department
- Nationwide alumni network for graduates
- Coursework spans ethics, research, rhetoric, and technology
- 120 total credit hours for the degree
- Degree in 3 option available
- Experiential learning requirement
- Focus on organizational communication theory and skills
- Prepares students for corporate and workplace communication roles
Butler University
#2Indianapolis, IN · $36,000/yr (est. net price)
Best for: Aspiring journalists in the Indianapolis media market
Butler pairs a liberal arts core with an Indianapolis location, which puts students minutes from the state's largest concentration of newsrooms, agencies, and corporate communication offices. Journalism students train in multimedia storytelling, media law, and ethics, with broadcast and multimedia tracks for those who want to specialize. The public and professional writing major builds portfolio-ready writers, while the strategic communication program folds public relations and advertising into a three-year path with a dedicated internship director.
- Multimedia storytelling across video, audio, and digital formats
- Coursework in media law and ethics
- Broadcast and multimedia journalism concentrations
- Internships with Indianapolis outlets and organizations
- Global media perspectives in the curriculum
- Investigative reporting and media business coursework
- 48 total credit hours in the track
- Senior seminar or internship option in the final year
- Two professional writing workshops
- Training in audience analysis, tone, style, and design
- Choice of rhetoric or science and technology coursework
- Internship credit available
- Three-year completion path
- Combines public relations and advertising disciplines
- Emphasis on data-backed decision making
- Dedicated internship director for placements
- Three concentration options within the major
Indiana University-Bloomington
#3Bloomington, IN · $12,000 – $42,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Students who want a flagship media school
Indiana University Bloomington's Media School has held journalism accreditation since 1948 and remains the state's flagship program for news and strategic media work. Undergraduates choose among news reporting and editing, public relations, and social and digital media tracks, all grounded in writing, ethics, and reporting practice. The Bloomington campus feeds Indiana and Midwest newsrooms, agencies, and digital outlets through internship pipelines that start well before graduation.
- Journalism program accredited since 1948
- Concentrations in news reporting and editing, public relations, and social and digital media
- Investigative reporting and digital media preparation
- Writing, ethics, and storytelling core
- Career-focused curriculum tied to newsroom hiring
DePauw University
#4Greencastle, IN · $20,000 – $25,000/yr (est.)
DePauw's communication major runs on nine courses and small classes, and it sits inside one of the most media-active liberal arts campuses in Indiana. Students produce work for D3TV television and WGRE radio, pursue internships with television stations and advertising agencies, and graduate into public relations, sales, human resources, journalism, and business roles. The Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media and a dense alumni network give graduates unusual visibility in Indiana and Midwest media markets for a school of its size.
- Nine courses in the major
- Student media through D3TV television and WGRE radio
- Internships with television stations and advertising agencies
- Prepares graduates for public relations, sales, human resources, and journalism
- Alumni in graduate programs at Georgetown, NYU, and the University of Chicago
- Small classes with faculty mentorship
Taylor University
#5Upland, IN · ~$25,000/yr (est.)
Taylor offers a Christian liberal arts setting in Upland with two career-focused communication paths: professional writing and multimedia journalism. Writers build published freelance portfolios, attend a two-day professional writing conference, and study editing, publishing, and social media strategy. Journalism students train on Adobe Creative Suite, complete a required internship, and finish with a senior portfolio showcase, while a large annual scholarship pool for the program helps offset private college costs.
- Covers book editing, freelance writing, and publishing
- Freelance portfolio built with published work
- Two-day Professional Writing Conference with agents and editors
- Social media strategy and digital design tools
- Communication theory and intercultural communication coursework
- BA and BS degree options
- BA and BS degree options
- Professional internship required
- Senior portfolio showcase
- Adobe Creative Suite training
- Hands-on student media experience
- $120,000 in annual scholarships for the program
Valparaiso University
#6Valparaiso, IN · ~$19,000/yr (est.)
Valparaiso keeps its communication major lean, requiring a minimum of 33 credits with core work in media, visual arts, and public speaking, then a capstone senior project. Students choose a general communication, journalism, or public relations concentration and gain experience through internships and campus media outlets. Faculty with professional ties and a small program size mean individual mentorship is the norm rather than the exception.
- Minimum 33 credits in the major
- Core courses include Introduction to Media and Visual Arts and Public Speaking
- Capstone senior project required
- Concentrations in general communication, journalism, and public relations
- Internship requirement with local media and agencies
- Hands-on work with campus media outlets
Ball State University
#7Muncie, IN · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
Ball State is one of Indiana's broadest communication destinations, spanning communication studies, strategic communication and public relations, journalism, and speech pathology within a single college. Students take on real client work through the program's on-campus agency, the PR sequence runs an award-winning PRSSA chapter, and the journalism program holds ACEJMC accreditation. The David Letterman Communication and Media Building supports the production-heavy, hands-on approach that defines the Ball State experience.
- 120 total credit hours
- Concentrations include organizational, advocacy and public, and entertainment and sport
- Core coursework in argumentation, persuasion, and intercultural communication
- Speech Team participation available
- Small class sizes with practical assignments and internships
- Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science options
- 120 total credit hours
- Real client projects through the program's on-campus agency
- Award-winning PRSSA chapter
- Annual Vernon C. Schranz Distinguished Lectureship
- Built-in portfolio development for job searches
- Emphasis on empathy and ethics in practice
- ACEJMC accredited program
- 120 total credit hours with 27 to 33 core journalism credits
- Tracks in writing and multimedia storytelling and sports writing
- State-of-the-art production facilities
- Student media organizations with real reporting experience
- 67 credit hours in the major
- Accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation
- On-site audiology clinic for clinical experience
- Low student-to-faculty ratio with all courses taught by faculty
- Pre-professional track for graduate study in speech-language pathology
- Department scholarships available
Saint Mary's College
#8Notre Dame, IN · $25,000/yr (est. net price)
Saint Mary's delivers a 33-credit communication studies major inside a women's liberal arts college, with coursework spanning interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, and political communication. The senior year pairs a comprehensive research or rhetoric sequence with an advanced writing portfolio, and graduates leave able to communicate ethically across written, oral, visual, and mediated formats. Small classes and a close faculty group keep the emphasis on mentorship and discussion.
- 33 total credit hours
- Senior comprehensive sequence in research or rhetorical criticism
- Advanced writing portfolio in the senior year
- Coursework in interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, and political communication
- Ethical communication across written, oral, visual, and mediated formats
- Women's college setting with small classes
Indiana University-Indianapolis
#9Indianapolis, IN · $11,000 – $35,000/yr (est.)
IU Indianapolis sits downtown, putting communication studies, technical communication, and journalism students within walking distance of state government, hospitals, major corporations, and nonprofits that hire interns year round. Communication studies pairs critical inquiry with media design and a required capstone, and a five-year BA to MA option lets students finish a graduate degree sooner. The technical communication degree adds a STEM component and can be stacked with a certificate, a strong fit for students who want writing work in technical fields.
- 120 total credit hours with a 2.0 GPA minimum
- Senior capstone applying coursework to real scenarios
- Focus on critical inquiry, media design, and cultural communication
- Five-year BA to MA accelerated option
- Dual Degree Advantage for students adding a second major
- Honors program with H-option courses
- 120 total credit hours
- STEM elective component built into the degree
- Five-year BS to MS option
- Certificate in technical communication also available
- Prepares students for technical writing and documentation roles
- 120 total credit hours with a 2.0 GPA minimum
- 38 credits in the journalism major
- Coursework in media law and ethics
- Digital and print media skills
- Media internship opportunities in downtown Indianapolis
Trine University
#10Angola, IN · ~$25,000/yr (est.)
Trine runs a hands-on communication major where students start building a portfolio in the first year and keep going through the Trine Broadcast Network. The 120-credit curriculum touches public relations, marketing, broadcasting, and event planning, with required internships in the junior and senior years. Small classes and faculty advisors who stay involved in placement give the program a tight-knit, career-first feel.
- 120 total credit hours
- Hands-on practice starting in the first year
- Trine Broadcast Network training and portfolio building
- Internships required in junior and senior years
- Small classes with faculty advisors who guide placement
- Exposure to public relations, marketing, broadcasting, and event planning
How We Ranked Indiana Communication Programs
Ranking communication degrees isn't just about listing schools in alphabetical order. It's about helping you find programs that deliver genuine career value. We built our methodology to spotlight what matters most: affordability, student success, and real-world financial outcomes.
Our Data-Driven Approach
We rely on objective metrics from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and other public data sources, not subjective opinion. By focusing on measurable results, we give you a clear picture of which programs are likely to pay off. You can explore our full Rankings Methodology for additional detail on how we weight each factor.
What We Measure
- Net Price After Aid: The average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships, which gives a truer cost picture than sticker price.
- Graduation Rate: How many students finish their degrees within 150% of normal time. This reflects the program's ability to support students through to completion.
- Program-Level Earnings: Median earnings for communication graduates one year and multiple years after finishing, key indicators of career launch and growth.
- Student Debt Metrics: Average federal loan debt and the share of borrowers making progress repaying their loans, helping you gauge financial risk.
A Note on Transparency
You'll notice we use institution-wide figures for net price and graduation rates because communication-specific data isn't always available. That means these numbers reflect the overall student experience, not just the major. Still, they offer valuable context about the school's value and support systems.
Why Our Method Stands Out
Many ranking sites simply list schools without explaining their criteria, or apply hidden weights that favor prestige over outcomes. We prioritize earnings and debt because we believe a degree should lead to a better financial future, not just a line on your resume. By putting these factors front and center, we help you compare programs based on what really counts.
Indiana Communication Degree Costs Compared
Tuition for a bachelor's in communication in Indiana ranges widely, from roughly $8,357 per year at Purdue University Northwest to $48,450 at Valparaiso University. However, the net price after financial aid tells a very different story: after grants and scholarships, average out-of-pocket costs compress to a range of about $3,968 to $18,578. Keep in mind that the net price figures shown below are institution-level averages for all aided students. Your individual aid package may be higher or lower depending on your financial profile, merit awards, and enrollment status.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price After Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University Northwest | $8,357 | $15,504 | $6,079 |
| Indiana University, Kokomo | $8,424 | $22,811 | $3,968 |
| Indiana University, Northwest | $8,424 | $22,811 | $5,130 |
| Indiana University, Southeast | $8,424 | $22,811 | $7,888 |
| Indiana University, East | $8,424 | $22,811 | $8,134 |
| Indiana University, South Bend | $8,424 | $22,811 | $8,653 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | $9,532 | $22,887 | $13,171 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University (National and Global) | $9,648 | $9,648 | $16,898 |
| Purdue University | $9,992 | $28,794 | $14,600 |
| University of Southern Indiana | $10,066 | $22,907 | $12,923 |
| Indiana University, Indianapolis | $10,762 | $34,891 | $11,668 |
| Ball State University | $11,082 | $29,630 | $14,940 |
| Indiana University, Bloomington | $12,144 | $41,891 | $16,264 |
| University of Evansville | $44,172 | $44,172 | $18,499 |
| Valparaiso University | $48,450 | $48,450 | $18,578 |
Related Articles
Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations for Indiana Communication Graduates
Graduates of Indiana's best communication programs routinely earn median salaries well above the state's average for media and communication workers, proving that a strategic choice of school can significantly boost your career trajectory.
Earnings Outcomes Across Top Programs
Data from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard reveals a wide earnings range among the state's communication programs. At the high end, Butler University's Professional Writing graduates see median earnings of $77,235, while Purdue University's Communication alumni earn $72,424. DePauw University and Indiana University, Bloomington also perform strongly, with medians of $70,527 and $63,742 respectively. These figures stand in stark contrast to the statewide median annual wage for media and communication workers of just $34,600, with even the 90th percentile reaching only $64,770.1 For context, that means top program graduates are earning more than 90% of workers in the broader occupational category.
ROI: Earnings vs. Debt
Salary is only part of the picture. ROI, or how earnings stack up against student debt, tells the true story of value. Purdue University, with its relatively low median debt of $19,500 and high median earnings, delivers an ROI ratio of 3.71, meaning graduates earn roughly $3.71 for every dollar they borrowed. Butler University and DePauw, though carrying higher debt loads, still post ratios above 2.6 and 2.9 respectively. Even programs with more modest earnings, like Trine University ($57,165 median earnings, $25,000 debt), offer an ROI ratio above 2.2, suggesting that a communication degree from these institutions remains a sound financial investment.
Indiana Job Market for Communication Graduates
State labor statistics reinforce the degree's value. The BLS reports that Indiana employed between 2,000 and 4,000 public relations specialists in 2024, with projected job growth of 5 to 10% over the next decade, faster than the national average for all occupations.23 Media and communication workers are also expected to see 3 to 6% growth.3 Editors face slower growth (0 to 4%), but remain a stable career path. While earnings for entry-level roles may start lower, the strong long-term median earnings from top programs suggest rapid salary progression for well-trained graduates.
Are Communication Degrees Worth It?
Given the numbers, the answer is a qualified yes, especially if you choose a program with proven outcomes. Graduates from the highest-performing Indiana schools not only out-earn their peers statewide but also manage debt levels that make the investment worthwhile. The combination of strong ROI, above-average job growth in PR and media, and the versatility of communication skills in roles like marketing, corporate communications, and digital strategy makes the bachelor's degree a solid foundation for career growth. For those considering an advanced credential, exploring best online master's in communication programs can help you plan the next step in your trajectory.
Online vs. On-Campus Communication Degrees in Indiana
Indiana offers communication programs in both online and on-campus formats, giving you the freedom to choose the learning environment that fits your life. Several schools, including Ball State University, Indiana University, and Purdue University Global, provide fully online or hybrid options alongside traditional classroom programs. Understanding the tradeoffs between these formats can help you make a confident decision.
- Online programs offer flexible scheduling ideal for working professionals balancing careers, families, and coursework.
- Online tuition is often lower overall when you factor in eliminated commuting, housing, and campus fee costs.
- Fully online formats let you earn a degree from anywhere in Indiana without relocating near a specific campus.
- Asynchronous online coursework lets you complete assignments on your own timeline each week, reducing scheduling stress.
- Some hybrid programs blend online convenience with periodic campus intensives for hands-on skill building.
- On-campus students gain direct access to student media labs, production studios, and broadcast facilities that online learners may lack.
- In-person programs typically offer stronger internship pipelines through local employer partnerships and career services offices.
- Face-to-face faculty mentoring and peer networking create professional relationships that are harder to replicate in virtual settings.
- Campus life provides collaborative learning experiences, student organizations, and media clubs that deepen communication skills.
- Online format quality varies: some programs are fully asynchronous while others require synchronous sessions or campus visits, so verify expectations before enrolling.
Communication Specializations and Concentrations by School
Indiana's communication programs vary widely in how they let you specialize, and choosing the right concentration can shape your entire career trajectory. The table below maps each school to the specific tracks or focus areas available so you can quickly match your professional goals to the right program. Tracks like public relations and organizational communication appear at multiple schools, while niche options such as health communication, event planning, and sports media are offered at only one or two institutions statewide.
| School | Program Focus | Named Concentrations or Tracks | Number of Concentration Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue University | Communication | Eight concentration options (details vary by semester) | 8 |
| Indiana University, Bloomington | Journalism | News Reporting and Editing (plus two additional journalism concentrations) | 3 |
| Ball State University | Communication Studies | Organizational and Professional (plus three additional concentrations) | 4 |
| Indiana University, Indianapolis | Communication Studies | Critical Inquiry, Media Design, Cultural Communication (no formally named concentrations, but thematic emphases) | N/A |
| Indiana University, South Bend | Communication Studies | Relational Communication and Social Interaction (plus two additional concentrations) | 3 |
| Indiana University, Southeast | Communication | Organizational Communication | 1 |
| Indiana University, Kokomo | Communication | Strategic Communication (plus one additional concentration) | 2 |
| Valparaiso University | Communication | General Communication, Journalism, Public Relations | 3 |
| University of Evansville | Communication | Health Communication, Sports Communication, Advertising and PR | 3+ |
| Marian University | Communication | Two concentration options (personal plan of study) | 2 |
| Anderson University | Public Relations | Event Planning, Social Media | 2 |
| Indiana Institute of Technology | Communication | Journalism, Sports Media, Graphic Design | 3 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University (on campus) | Multimedia Communication | Journalism (plus four additional specializations) | 5 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University, National and Global | Communication (online) | PR and Digital Strategy emphasis | 1 |
| Purdue University Northwest | Communication | Public Advocacy and Media Studies | 1 |
| Franklin College | Public Relations | Crisis Communications focus (standalone PR major) | 1 |
| Butler University | Public and Professional Writing | Writing, Rhetoric, Design (single professional writing track) | 1 |
| Taylor University | Professional Writing | Book Editing and Publishing, Freelance Writing, Social Media Strategy | 1 |
| Indiana University, East | English, Technical and Professional Writing (online) | Technical and Professional Writing | 1 |
| University of Southern Indiana | English, Professional Writing and Rhetoric | Professional Writing and Rhetoric (plus three other English concentrations) | 4 |
| Grace College | Journalism | Reporting, Editing, Investigative Journalism (single journalism major) | 1 |
| Purdue University Fort Wayne | Communication Sciences and Disorders | Clinical and rehabilitation focus (not a traditional media communication program) | 1 |
Admissions Requirements and Transfer-Friendly Programs
Indiana University-Bloomington accepts transfer credits with a grade of C or better1, while Butler University admits 85 percent of applicants and Ball State accepts nearly 86 percent, making both accessible starting points for communication students. Understanding admissions selectivity and transfer policies helps you choose the right program for your educational path.
Selectivity Tiers Across Indiana Communication Programs
Indiana communication programs fall into three distinct selectivity bands. At the selective end, Purdue University-West Lafayette admits approximately 50 percent of applicants, requiring strong academic credentials. IU Bloomington, with a 78 percent acceptance rate, sits in the moderately selective middle tier alongside DePauw University (57 percent). Open-access programs include Ball State (86 percent), Butler (85 percent), IU Indianapolis (76 percent), and Marian University (95 percent), offering pathways for a broader range of academic backgrounds. Test-optional policies at IU Bloomington as of 2025-2026 eliminate standardized test barriers, though middle 50 percent ranges for submitted scores remain 1180-1390 SAT and 27-33 ACT.3 If you're exploring bachelor's in communication Illinois, you'll find a similarly wide spectrum of selectivity across neighboring-state programs.
Transfer Credit and Community College Pathways
Many Indiana communication programs maintain articulation agreements with Ivy Tech Community College, the state's largest two-year system. IU Bloomington's policy of accepting C-or-better transfer credits extends to community college coursework, making it a viable destination for students completing general education requirements at lower cost.1 Ball State and IU Indianapolis similarly welcome transfer students, with both schools requiring a minimum 2.0 GPA for continued enrollment. Butler's high acceptance rate and urban Indianapolis location position it as a transfer-friendly option for working adults.
Financial Accessibility and Student Populations
Schools with higher percentages of students receiving Pell grants typically serve more non-traditional, first-generation, and working-class populations. IU Southeast enrolls 66 percent Pell recipients, followed by IU Indianapolis at 59 percent and Ball State at 51 percent. These institutions invest in support services for students balancing work, family, and education. Private schools like Butler (28 percent Pell share) and DePauw (39 percent) serve more traditional student bodies but offer substantial need-based aid packages.
Typical Application Components
Most Indiana communication programs require high school transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 to 3.0 GPA, though competitive programs prefer 3.7 or higher. Application essays remain standard, allowing you to articulate career goals and demonstrate writing ability. Letters of recommendation strengthen applications, particularly for merit scholarships. Test-optional policies reduce barriers, but submitting strong scores can enhance scholarship eligibility at schools like Purdue and IU Bloomington.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Indiana Communication Students
Paying for a communication degree in Indiana gets considerably more manageable once you layer state aid, institutional awards, and outside scholarships from professional associations. The sticker price you see on a tuition page rarely reflects what you will actually pay, so build your financial plan around net cost after aid.
State-Level Aid for Indiana Residents
Indiana funds two flagship programs worth pursuing first:1
- Frank O'Bannon Grant: A need-based state grant for Indiana residents who are US citizens or eligible non-citizens. You must file the FAFSA to be considered, and funds can be applied to any approved Indiana institution.
- 21st Century Scholars Program: A last-dollar scholarship covering up to 100% of tuition at participating Indiana colleges. Students must enroll in 7th or 8th grade and meet low- or moderate-income guidelines, so it benefits traditional-age students who planned ahead more than mid-career returners.
If you missed the 21st Century Scholars enrollment window, the Frank O'Bannon Grant remains the primary state-funded option for adult learners.
Institution and Department Awards
Indiana universities maintain their own communication and journalism scholarships. Ball State's Journalism Scholarship, for example, offers $1,000 to full-time journalism majors with a minimum 2.7 GPA, and it is renewable with department chair approval.2 Purdue's Brian Lamb School of Communication maintains an external scholarships list curated specifically for communication majors. Always check with the department directly, since smaller endowed awards often go unclaimed.
Professional Association Scholarships
National organizations fund communication students regardless of which Indiana school they attend. Look into the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the National Communication Association (NCA), and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), which all sponsor undergraduate scholarships. Local chapters such as PRSA Indianapolis and SPJ Indiana occasionally offer regional awards as well. Students considering flexible formats may also want to explore bachelor of communication online degree options, which can qualify for many of the same aid programs.
When comparing programs, calculate your net price after every aid source has been applied. A higher-sticker private university can finish cheaper than an in-state public if its institutional aid is generous, so let the final number, not the brochure, guide your decision. Graduates who later pursue a master's in communication in Indiana can often stack additional funding at the graduate level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Communication Degrees in Indiana
Choosing the right communication program means sorting through a lot of details, from tuition costs to career paths. Below are answers to the questions Indiana students ask most often about earning a bachelor's in communication.
More Indiana Communication Programs to Consider
Beyond the ranked programs above, Indiana has a deep bench of communication departments at public regional campuses, private colleges, and faith-based universities. The directory below groups the remaining schools by region so you can quickly see what sits within commuting distance, what is offered fully online, and where each program puts its emphasis.
Northwest Indiana
Indiana University-Northwest
Indiana University-South Bend
Bethel University
Goshen College
Northeast Indiana
Purdue University Fort Wayne
University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne
Indiana Institute of Technology
Huntington University
Central Indiana
Marian University
University of Indianapolis
Anderson University
Franklin College
East Central Indiana
Indiana University-East
Southwest Indiana
University of Evansville
Southern Indiana
Indiana University-Southeast
Bachelors by State
Northeast11
Southeast12
Southwest4
DC & Territories1
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