What you’ll learn in this article…
- Kansas public university communication tuition starts under $6,000 per year, while private colleges can exceed $37,000.
- The median Kansas PR specialist earns roughly $50,000 to $55,000 annually, competitive for the region's cost of living.
- Several Kansas universities offer seven or more communication specializations, including strategic PR, sports broadcasting, and organizational communication.
- Online communication degrees are available at multiple Kansas schools, giving working professionals flexible scheduling without relocating.
Sixteen Kansas schools now offer accredited bachelor's degrees in communication, from flagship public universities to small private colleges with direct pipelines into Kansas City media. Concentrations span public relations, strategic communication, journalism, sports broadcasting, and media production, giving students a range of direct career pathways.
Net prices after financial aid range from under $13,000 to over $32,000 a year, with fully online, hybrid, and on-campus formats available statewide. Graduates from the state's top-ranked programs earn median salaries between $55,000 and $62,000 ten years after graduation, outpacing the national median for bachelor's degree holders.
Best Communication Programs in Kansas for 2026
Kansas offers a surprisingly deep bench of communication programs, from flagship research universities with seven specializations to small private colleges with direct pipelines into Kansas City media. Whether you want to study organizational communication, sports broadcasting, or strategic PR, there is a strong fit at every price point. Below, we break down the programs that stand out most for working professionals and traditional students alike. Note that graduation rates listed are institution-wide figures, not specific to individual communication programs.
- Graduate earnings and ROI
- Net price and affordability
- Graduation and retention rates
- Program breadth and concentrations
- Applied learning opportunities
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Kansas State University
#1Manhattan, KS · $11,000 – $29,000/yr
Best for: Specialization seekers wanting multiple concentrations
Kansas State University houses the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication, which recently reorganized to launch updated bachelor's degrees in Communication Studies, Advertising and Public Relations, and News and Sports Media. Students choose from seven specializations within Communication Studies alone, and every degree path requires a capstone, whether that is an internship, faculty-led research, or a competitive team project. K-State is also the only Kansas university offering a dedicated Advertising and Public Relations bachelor's degree, and its journalism programs rank among the nation's oldest nationally accredited options. With a 71.1% institution-wide graduation rate and median alumni earnings of $57,262 ten years after enrollment, K-State balances academic breadth with solid post-graduation outcomes.
- Seven specializations including organizational, political, and emerging tech
- Classes capped under 25 students for close faculty interaction
- Capstone options: internship, research project, or team competition
- Study abroad available in 85+ countries
- Pre-law advising with reported high acceptance rates
- Curriculum covers rhetoric, conflict resolution, and digital communication
- Only Kansas university with a dedicated ad/PR bachelor's degree
- Required internship before graduation for hands-on experience
- Capstone campaign created for a real client
- Personalized career pathways within the major
- Award-winning student media organizations on campus
- Nationally recognized faculty with industry connections
- Clinical observations at the K-State Speech and Hearing Center
- Faculty are practicing clinicians in the field
- Foundation for graduate study in speech-language pathology or audiology
- Courses include phonetics, hearing science, and language assessment
- Research opportunities alongside expert faculty
- Professional development via student organizations
- Concentrations in news, sports, and photography
- 120-credit-hour program with multiplatform storytelling focus
- Hands-on journalism training from the first day on campus
- Internship and practicum opportunities built into the curriculum
- Ethical journalism core woven throughout coursework
- Advanced storytelling technologies integrated into classes
University of Kansas
#2Lawrence, KS · $12,000 – $30,000/yr
Best for: Career advancers prioritizing long-term earnings
The University of Kansas delivers the highest median alumni earnings in the state at $61,945 ten years after enrollment, making it the top ROI pick among Kansas communication programs. KU's William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications is a well-known pipeline into Kansas City's broadcast, digital, and marketing sectors, and the Communication Studies department covers relational, organizational, intercultural, and political communication. A net price of $18,059 and an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio further strengthen the value proposition. KU also offers clear undergraduate-to-graduate pathways through its online master's programs in strategic communication and digital marketing communications.
- Explores relational, organizational, intercultural, and political communication
- Emphasizes theories, methods, and performance for everyday contexts
- Prepares graduates for HR, nonprofit management, and political advocacy
- Available as either a B.A. or Bachelor of General Studies
- On-campus program in Lawrence with experienced faculty advising
- Builds skills in symbolic interaction and cultural competency
- Concentrations in Multimedia Journalism, Digital Marketing, and Media Arts
- Sports Media and Society concentration available
- Portfolio-building curriculum with hands-on media training
- Part of the nationally recognized William Allen White School
- Comprehensive digital and broadcast skills development
- Multiple concentration options to tailor your career path
- Capstone professional practice with real-world clients
- Teaches audience analysis, data gathering, and statistics
- Develops writing, editing, storytelling, and design skills
- Career paths include brand manager and campaign manager
- Corporate communications and PR firm preparation
- Integrates strategic thinking with creative execution
Ottawa University-Online
#3Overland Park, KS · $13,000/yr
Best for: Working adults needing accelerated online flexibility
Ottawa University Online stands out for working adults who need a fully online, accelerated path to a communication degree. The B.A. in Communication offers concentrations in Speech and Strategic Communication, covering media writing, visual communication, and organizational communication. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention that is rare in online programs. The institution has earned a Military Friendly School designation, and its tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students at $13,296 per year.
- Fully online accelerated format designed for working professionals
- Concentrations in Speech and Strategic Communication
- Capstone seminar or senior comprehensive project required
- Coursework in media writing, visual communication, and comm law
- Internship opportunity integrated into the curriculum
- 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio for individualized support
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Military Friendly School designation
Washburn University
#4Topeka, KS · $15,000/yr
Washburn University pairs some of the lowest tuition in the state with a Mass Media program built around real client work. Students in the Advertising and Public Relations concentration partner with the Topeka Advertising Federation and compete in national advertising competitions, building portfolios that translate directly to employment. Faculty bring extensive industry experience, and past interns have worked with organizations like the Smithsonian and the Dallas Stars. At a net price of $15,280, Washburn also provides an accessible gateway to Topeka's government communication roles and Kansas City's media market.
- Client projects with real organizations through Topeka Ad Federation
- National advertising competition participation available
- 85% of graduates report beginning careers in media
- Low-cost or no-cost textbooks reduce out-of-pocket expenses
- Internship built into the program requirements
- 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio with industry-experienced faculty
- Professional portfolio completed before graduation
- 40 credits of mass media coursework required
- Storytelling across digital, broadcast, and print platforms
- Real-world experience emphasis from early semesters
- Practical communication skills for modern newsrooms
- Multiple media career path options after graduation
- Creative Advertising and Public Relations tracks also available
Wichita State University
#5Wichita, KS · $13,000/yr
Wichita State University offers the lowest net price on this list at $13,194, and every undergraduate degree comes with a guaranteed applied learning or research experience. The Communication Sciences and Disorders program features the distinctive GoBabyGo initiative, where students collaborate with engineering peers to modify toy cars for children with disabilities. For students drawn to media, the Journalism and Media Production emphasis leverages WSU's location in Kansas' largest city to connect students with local TV stations, radio outlets, and digital agencies. A departmental honors track adds research depth for those targeting competitive graduate programs.
- 45-credit curriculum with guaranteed applied learning experience
- GoBabyGo program: modify toy cars for children with disabilities
- Departmental honors track for graduate school preparation
- 3.0 GPA minimum for admission ensures strong cohort quality
- Prepares students for speech-language pathology or audiology careers
- Prerequisite courses build a solid clinical foundation
- Focused digital and broadcast media production training
- Practical multimedia storytelling skills development
- Located in Wichita near TV, radio, and digital agencies
- Professional communication preparation across platforms
- Guaranteed applied learning built into every degree
- Modern media technology exposure throughout the program
University of Saint Mary
#6Leavenworth, KS · ~$23,000/yr (est.)
The University of Saint Mary delivers a niche Sports Communications concentration that is hard to find elsewhere in Kansas. Students take courses in sports broadcasting, sports literature, and professional social media communications while gaining real-world experience through the Journalism Communications Club and internships at outlets like the Kansas City Star. Recent graduates have landed roles including KC Royals videographer and sports social media coordinator. The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and close faculty mentoring create a small-campus advantage, though the net price of $22,519 reflects its private-school status.
- Courses in sports broadcasting and sports literature
- Recent grads placed as KC Royals videographer and content producer
- Internships at Kansas City Star and Power and Light District
- Journalism Communications Club for hands-on content creation
- Small class sizes with dedicated faculty mentoring
- Professional social media communications training
- Broadcasting and journalism concentration on campus
- Hands-on media experience starting from the first semester
- Courses in media literacy and digital photography
- Applied electronic journalism and writing for media
- Ethics and law in the digital world covered in curriculum
- Faculty hold PhDs and bring industry experience
Ottawa University-Ottawa
#7Ottawa, KS · $28,000/yr
Ottawa University's main campus in Ottawa, Kansas, mirrors the online program's communication curriculum but adds a traditional residential college experience with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The B.A. in Communication offers Speech and Strategic Communication concentrations, plus an ACBSP-accredited Public Relations track housed in the School of Business. The campus is well suited for students who want in-person mentoring and access to Ottawa's regional community while still benefiting from an accelerated format. With a net price of $27,963, it is the most expensive option on this list, so prospective students should weigh the value of the on-campus experience.
- Concentrations in Speech and Strategic Communication
- Offered at five locations plus online for maximum flexibility
- Capstone seminar or senior comprehensive project required
- Coursework in media writing and visual communication
- Internship opportunity integrated into the program
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- ACBSP-accredited program through the School of Business
- Emphasis on marketing theory, reporting, and editing
- Develops strong public speaking and persuasion skills
- Organizational conflict management coursework included
- Colleges of Distinction and Military Friendly designations
- Four focused courses build targeted PR expertise
Pittsburg State University
#8Pittsburg, KS · $16,000/yr (net price)
Pittsburg State University offers one of the most affordable communication degrees in Kansas, with in-state tuition of just $8,400 and a net price of $15,784. The Communication department features two distinct tracks: Multimedia Journalism and Strategic Communication. Students learn to craft stories across digital, broadcast, and print platforms while studying media law and ethics. A 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a flexible in-house Master of Arts in Communication create a clear path from bachelor's to graduate study without leaving southeast Kansas.
- Covers digital, broadcast, and print media storytelling
- Practical experience through student media outlets
- News reporting and photojournalism skills development
- Media law and ethics integrated into coursework
- Career paths span television, radio, and online news
- 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio for personalized learning
- Four-year campus-based program in Pittsburg, Kansas
- Builds skills for PR, corporate, and marketing communication
- Pathway to PSU's flexible MA in Communication
- Prepares graduates for diverse organizational roles
- Blends theoretical knowledge with practical application
- In-state tuition among the lowest in Kansas
Emporia State University
#9Emporia, KS · $16,000/yr
Emporia State University combines the lowest in-state tuition on this list ($7,106) with a Communication program focused on public relations and a distinctive Speech and Theatre teaching degree. The PR concentration develops writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through 48 hours of coursework, preparing graduates for corporate communications, marketing, and event planning. ESU's renowned teacher education framework also makes it the strongest Kansas option for students who want to teach speech, theatre, debate, or forensics at the middle or high school level.
- 48 hours of coursework blending theory, research, and application
- 21 hours of core classes plus 15 hours in PR concentration
- Career paths in advertising, corporate comms, and event planning
- Scholarships available through the university portal
- Stinger Success Program provides academic and career support
- Located in Emporia with access to regional media markets
- Prepares graduates to teach grades 6 through 12
- Covers speech, theatre, debate, and forensics instruction
- Embedded in ESU's nationally recognized teacher education program
- Campus-based with hands-on teaching experiences
- Builds a professional network across Kansas K-12 schools
- Strong pathway for communication-minded educators
Newman University
#10Wichita, KS · $20,000/yr
Newman University rounds out the list with a Communication program that emphasizes digital marketing and journalism within a small, Catholic university setting in Wichita. Students develop versatile skills in writing, strategic communication, and multimedia storytelling, gaining competencies that translate across media, PR, marketing, and organizational leadership. With a net price of $19,971 and median alumni earnings of $55,041 ten years out, Newman offers a competitive return for a private institution. The 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and HSI designation reflect a diverse and supportive campus community.
- Digital marketing concentration with hands-on projects
- Develops oral, written, and visual communication skills
- Strategic message crafting for diverse audiences
- Interpersonal relationship building coursework
- Broad career pathways in media, PR, and marketing
- Located in Wichita near corporate and media employers
How We Ranked Kansas Communication Programs
A ranking methodology is the set of rules we use to decide which programs land at the top of the list, and ours rests entirely on numbers a prospective student can verify. We did not survey deans, poll alumni, or assign points based on brand recognition. Instead, every Kansas school offering a bachelor's degree in communication was scored on the same five measures, pulled from federal data.
The Five Factors We Scored
- Median earnings after completion: What graduates of the program typically earn in the years following their degree, reported at the field-of-study level where available. For a broader look at how communication degree salary varies nationwide, our companion analysis adds useful context.
- Graduate debt: The median amount students borrow to complete the degree, so high earnings are not cancelled out by high balances.
- Return-on-investment ratio: Earnings weighed against debt and net price, giving us a single figure for financial payoff.
- Completion rates: The share of full-time students who finish their degree within six years.
- Net price: The average yearly cost after grants and scholarships are applied, not the sticker tuition.
What These Numbers Are (and Are Not)
A few honest caveats matter here. Completion rates are reported institution-wide, not specifically for communication majors, so they reflect the school's overall student success rather than the department alone. Net price is an average across all aided undergraduates: your own cost will depend on your family's financial picture, residency status, and the scholarships you qualify for. Treat both as directional signals, not personal quotes.
Why We Trust the Source Data
All figures come from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and the federal IPEDS system, the same datasets policymakers and researchers use. That means our ranking is reproducible: anyone can pull the underlying numbers and check our work. It also means we are not selling you a reputation contest. If a smaller regional university outperforms a flagship on cost and payoff, it earns its spot on merit.
Kansas Communication Degree Costs Compared
Tuition varies widely across Kansas communication programs, from under $6,000 per year at public universities to over $37,000 at private colleges. The table below compares published tuition rates, average net price after aid, median graduate debt, and median earnings ten years after enrollment for each school. Working professionals should pay close attention to the net price column, which reflects what students typically pay after grants and scholarships.
| School | Sector | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price | Median Grad Debt | Median Earnings (10 yr) | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Hays State University | Public | $5,923 | $17,741 | $12,569 | $21,000 | $48,928 | 47.7% |
| Wichita State University | Public | $9,684 | $19,869 | $13,194 | $20,500 | $51,532 | 51.0% |
| Washburn University | Public | $9,945 | $20,949 | $15,280 | $18,127 | $49,774 | 53.0% |
| Pittsburg State University | Public | $8,400 | $19,744 | $15,784 | $18,969 | $50,579 | 56.6% |
| Emporia State University | Public | $7,106 | $15,419 | $16,261 | $19,500 | $47,601 | 56.1% |
| University of Kansas | Public | $12,102 | $30,432 | $18,059 | $21,000 | $61,945 | 68.8% |
| Kansas State University | Public | $11,221 | $28,568 | $19,406 | $21,250 | $57,262 | 71.1% |
| Newman University | Private | $35,500 | $35,500 | $19,971 | $20,801 | $55,041 | 52.8% |
| Sterling College | Private | $33,700 | $33,700 | $22,371 | $24,625 | $45,846 | 41.3% |
| University of Saint Mary | Private | $35,380 | $35,380 | $22,519 | $22,018 | $59,483 | 47.8% |
| Baker University | Private | $35,200 | $35,200 | $25,301 | $25,000 | $63,855 | 57.8% |
| McPherson College | Private | $37,146 | $37,146 | $26,441 | $25,242 | $52,084 | 33.9% |
| Benedictine College | Private | $36,350 | $36,350 | $27,891 | $24,599 | $53,175 | 61.6% |
| Ottawa University | Private | $35,880 | $35,880 | $27,963 | $21,500 | $55,552 | 27.9% |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | Private | $37,174 | $37,174 | $32,165 | $15,000 | $62,972 | 53.6% |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Communication Degree ROI: What Kansas Graduates Actually Earn
When evaluating a communication degree in Kansas, sticker-price tuition only tells part of the story. The ROI ratio compares what graduates earn ten years out against the median debt they carry at graduation. A higher ratio means each dollar of debt is working harder for you. The chart below pairs median graduate debt with median earnings at ten years for top Kansas communication programs, so you can see which schools deliver the strongest financial return relative to what you borrow.
Online vs. On-Campus Communication Degrees in Kansas
Kansas communication students have more delivery options than ever, but each format comes with distinct trade-offs. Understanding what you gain and what you give up will help you pick the path that fits your schedule, your learning style, and your career goals.
Pros
- Online programs like Ottawa University's accelerated B.A. in Communication offer maximum flexibility, letting working adults study from anywhere in the state on their own schedule.
- Online tuition can be lower overall; Ottawa University Online lists the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students, eliminating residency penalties.
- Hybrid options at MidAmerica Nazarene University and Fort Hays State University blend online coursework with periodic on-site sessions, giving you some face-to-face interaction without a full commute.
- On-campus programs at K-State, KU, Washburn, and Pittsburg State provide direct access to media labs, student publications, and broadcast studios that sharpen hands-on skills.
- Campus-based students benefit from built-in internship pipelines; Washburn reports an 85% job placement rate, partly driven by client projects with real organizations.
- In-person networking through debate teams, journalism clubs, and honor societies at schools like K-State and the University of Saint Mary helps build professional relationships early.
Cons
- Online students may miss spontaneous peer collaboration and the informal mentoring that happens naturally in campus hallways and newsrooms.
- Fully online formats rarely include access to campus media equipment, limiting portfolio work in broadcast, video production, or photography.
- On-campus programs require commuting or relocating, which can be a serious barrier for working professionals in rural Kansas far from Lawrence, Manhattan, or Wichita.
- Traditional campus schedules with daytime classes make it harder to maintain full-time employment while earning your degree.
- Hybrid programs are still relatively uncommon; only MidAmerica Nazarene and Fort Hays State currently offer this blended format for communication-related degrees in Kansas.
- Private on-campus tuition can be steep, with schools like Benedictine College and McPherson College listing rates above $35,000 per year before aid.
Communication Specializations and Concentrations at Kansas Schools
A concentration is the focused track within your communication major where you go deep on a specific professional skill set, whether that's writing press releases for nonprofits, producing podcasts, analyzing organizational culture, or shooting documentary footage. Kansas schools differ widely in which tracks they offer, and choosing the right one matters more than the school's overall reputation for shaping what your first job looks like.
Public Relations and Strategic Communication
If you're aiming for agency work, corporate PR, or campaign management, two programs stand out. Emporia State University offers a dedicated Public Relations concentration within its Communication BS, structured as 21 hours of core coursework plus 15 hours in the PR focus and 12 hours of electives, building toward roles in advertising, corporate communications, event planning, and marketing. Washburn University's Mass Media major includes an Advertising and Public Relations concentration that requires an internship and emphasizes client projects with real organizations, complete with a professional portfolio at graduation. Ottawa University's online BA in Communication offers a Strategic Communication concentration and a capstone seminar in applied communication, which works well for working professionals already in marketing or comms roles.
Journalism, Multimedia, and Digital Media
For reporting, broadcasting, and digital storytelling careers, the University of Kansas School of Journalism and Mass Communications offers a BSJ with four concentration options, including Multimedia Journalism.1 Pittsburg State University's Communication BS with a Multimedia Journalism emphasis builds practical experience through student media and covers digital, broadcast, and print reporting alongside media law and ethics. Newman University takes a hybrid approach with a Digital Marketing/Journalism concentration, useful if you want to blend reporting skills with content marketing.
Organizational, Interpersonal, and Niche Tracks
Kansas State University's Communication Studies degree offers seven specializations and requires a capstone (chosen from an internship, research project, or team experience), making it a strong fit for organizational communication, corporate training, or pre-law paths. KU's Communication Studies BA/BGS includes a Relationships and Social Interaction concentration grounded in interpersonal and intercultural communication theory.2 For something more unusual, the University of Saint Mary offers a Sports Communications concentration with internship pipelines to organizations like the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Star. Fort Hays State University's Business Communication concentration sits within its Bachelor of General Studies, which suits transfer students assembling a flexible, career-focused degree plan.
If you already know you want to continue beyond a bachelor's, Kansas also has strong graduate options; explore master's in communication in Kansas programs to see how your undergraduate concentration can set you up for advanced study. Ultimately, match the concentration to the job title you want to hold in five years, not the school name on the sweatshirt.
Career Outcomes for Kansas Communication Graduates
The most frequent concern we hear from professionals considering a communication degree is whether the investment pays off in Kansas's job market. National salary averages can feel abstract, while local hiring patterns shift year to year. The good news: you don't need to guess. Kansas-specific wage data, employer lists, and insider networks are all within reach if you know where to look.
Start with the Official Data
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the most authoritative starting point. Rather than searching generic terms, use the standard occupational codes for communication roles. For example, Public Relations Specialists (SOC 27-3031) earned a national median of $69,780 in 2024, and News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists (SOC 27-3023) earned $60,280 nationally the same year.12 To see Kansas numbers, filter by state on the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics page. The broader Media and Communication Workers category (SOC 27-3099) shows a national median of $70,300.3 Locally, a 2024 survey of Communication Specialist postings in Kansas reported a median annual salary of $54,774.4 Keep in mind that entry-level roles will sit below these figures, while managerial and specialized positions can exceed them considerably. BLS also projects 5% growth for PR specialists nationally through 2034, with 27,600 annual openings, indicating steady employer demand.1
Leverage School Networks
Kansas universities often publish employment outcomes and alumni employer lists that reflect regional hiring trends. Check the career services pages of schools like the University of Kansas, Kansas State, or Wichita State. These offices gather first-destination surveys and maintain directories of graduates working at local agencies, media outlets, and corporations. Some programs even offer mentoring platforms where you can directly ask alumni about their career paths and typical salary ranges. If you're curious how careers with a masters in communication build on a bachelor's foundation, exploring post-graduate salary data can help you gauge the long-term return. This kind of hyper-local insight rarely appears in national datasets and can reveal which employers consistently recruit communication majors from Kansas institutions.
Tap Professional Associations
Groups like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Kansas chapter, the American Advertising Federation (AAF) districts covering Kansas, and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) regional chapters are goldmines. Many host job boards exclusive to members, publish local salary surveys, and organize networking events where you can meet hiring managers. Even as a student, you can often join at a reduced rate and gain access to mentorship and internship listings that never hit the public web.
Scout the Job Market
Finally, to understand what's hiring today, filter major aggregators like LinkedIn and Indeed by location (Kansas cities) and keywords like "communication specialist," "public relations," "content strategist," or "media coordinator." Note which employers appear repeatedly. In Kansas, organizations such as Spirit AeroSystems, Garmin, Hallmark, the state government, Cox Communications, and large health systems frequently post communication roles. Pay attention to required skills and listed salary ranges when available. This bottom-up view complements the statistical outlook and helps you tailor your degree specialization to real employer needs.
The Median Kansas PR Specialist Earns $50,000–$55,000 per Year
Public relations is one of the most popular career paths for communication graduates, and Kansas salaries are competitive for the region's cost of living.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Communications?
Some communication graduates jump straight into specialist roles like public relations coordinator or social media manager; others pivot early toward management tracks, overseeing marketing campaigns or leading internal communications teams. The broad skill set you develop (writing, persuasion, audience analysis, digital literacy) makes you a strong candidate for either path.
Broad Career Pathways
A bachelor's in communication opens doors across industries. Common entry-level roles include: - Public relations: crafting press releases, managing image, and pitching media stories. - Marketing and advertising: developing campaigns, analyzing consumer data, and creating brand messaging. - Corporate communications: handling employee newsletters, executive memos, and crisis communication. - Journalism and media: reporting, editing, producing content for news outlets or digital platforms. - Social media management: building online communities, tracking engagement, and crafting viral content. - Event planning: coordinating conferences, product launches, and fundraisers. - Human resources and training: onboarding employees, designing professional development programs, and improving workplace culture.
In these roles, you apply the core communication curriculum every day, whether it's tailoring a message to a specific audience or measuring the impact of a campaign.
Management Roles That Pay Well
With experience, many communication graduates move into management positions that command significantly higher salaries. According to national data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), marketing managers earn a median annual wage of $159,920, while public relations and fundraising managers bring in $132,420.1 Advertising and promotions managers see a median of $140,040, and training and development managers earn $125,910. Even specialist roles like training and development specialist ($63,620 median) can lead to these top-tier positions.1
The overall media and communication occupations category has a median wage of $70,300, well above the national median of $49,500 for all occupations.1 This points to robust earning potential across the field. For a deeper look at how pay varies by institution, explore our analysis of communication degree salary data nationwide.
Why a Communication Degree Pays Off
There's a persistent myth that communication is a "soft" degree, but the numbers tell a different story. National surveys and federal employment data show that communication graduates are employed at rates on par with or above many other fields. The secret lies in the transferable skills: clear writing, persuasive speaking, audience research, and mass communication literacy are in constant demand across every sector. Employers value professionals who can craft strategy, build relationships, and adapt to shifting platforms. The blend of creativity and analytics embedded in a communication degree prepares you for roles that are both resilient to automation and essential to organizational success.
How to Choose the Right Communication Program in Kansas
Choosing the right communication program starts with matching a school's academic structure, admission requirements, and specialization options to your career goals and personal circumstances. Kansas offers diverse communication pathways, from journalism-focused programs to strategic communication tracks, and understanding what each university requires and provides will help you make an informed decision.
Review Official Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Admission standards and application deadlines change annually, so rely on official university sources rather than third-party summaries. Check each institution's admissions page directly:
- University of Kansas: Visit admissions.ku.edu for current GPA benchmarks, test-optional policies, and priority deadlines.
- Kansas State University: Review k-state.edu/admissions for freshman and transfer admission criteria and scholarship timelines.
- Wichita State University: Consult wichita.edu/admissions for specific requirements and rolling admission details.
- Washburn University: Go to washburn.edu/admissions to confirm application procedures and transfer credit evaluations.
These pages provide the most accurate, up-to-date information on what you need to submit and when. Contact admissions counselors directly if you have questions about prerequisite coursework or conditional admission.
Verify Accreditation and Program Quality
For journalism and mass communication programs, ACEJMC accreditation signals that a program meets rigorous professional and academic standards. Visit acejmc.ku.edu and use the search tool to identify accredited programs in Kansas. Accredited programs typically offer stronger industry connections, internship networks, and curriculum aligned with professional competencies valued by employers. If a program you are considering does not hold ACEJMC accreditation, ask advisors about professional partnerships, faculty credentials, and graduate outcomes to assess program quality.
Understand Transfer Credit Policies
Transfer students should investigate how previous coursework will apply to a communication degree. Each Kansas university maintains its own transfer equivalency database and policies, which can vary by department and change year to year. Use online transfer equivalency tools when available, but follow up with the registrar's office or academic advisor to confirm how your credits will count toward major requirements, electives, and general education. Ask whether experiential learning, AP credits, or prior professional work can reduce your time to degree. If campus-based options feel limiting, you might also explore an online communications degree to expand your choices.
Research Career Outcomes and Salary Data
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at bls.gov provides national and state-level salary and employment outlook data for communication careers like public relations specialists, media planners, and multimedia artists. Use this data to understand broader industry trends, but for program-specific placement rates, internship partnerships, and alumni networks, consult university career services offices and academic advisors. They can share details about employer relationships, capstone projects, and recent graduate outcomes that generic salary databases cannot capture. Graduates who want to deepen their expertise after completing a bachelor's degree may want to research best master's in communication programs Kansas for advanced study options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Communication Degrees in Kansas
Choosing a communication degree is a big decision, especially when you're balancing work, family, and tuition costs. Below are answers to the questions prospective Kansas students ask most often, drawn from current program data and admissions figures.
- What is a Bachelor's degree in communications good for?
- A communication degree prepares you for roles in public relations, marketing, corporate communications, media production, and human resources. The curriculum builds skills in writing, persuasion, research, and digital storytelling that translate across industries. Kansas graduates from top ranked programs report median earnings of roughly $48,000 to $63,000 ten years after enrollment, depending on the institution and career path.
- Is a communications degree respected?
- Yes. Communication is one of the most versatile liberal arts degrees, and employers consistently rank writing, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills among their top hiring criteria. Accredited Kansas programs at schools like Kansas State University and the University of Kansas carry strong regional reputations, and their alumni report solid long-term earnings, with institutional medians above $57,000 and $61,000 respectively.
- What is the hardest school to get into in Kansas?
- Among Kansas schools offering communication programs, Sterling College has the lowest reported admissions rate at about 48%. Newman University follows at roughly 74%. By contrast, large public universities such as the University of Kansas (93%) and Wichita State University (94%) accept a much higher share of applicants, making them more accessible entry points.
- How much does a communication degree cost in Kansas?
- Net prices vary widely. Public universities tend to be the most affordable: Wichita State's average net price is about $13,194, Fort Hays State comes in around $12,569, and Washburn University sits near $15,280. Private institutions range from roughly $19,971 at Newman University to over $32,000 at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Sticker prices at private schools can exceed $35,000, but most students receive substantial financial aid.
- Which Kansas universities offer online communication degrees?
- Ottawa University offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Communication with concentrations in speech and strategic communication, delivered in an accelerated format. Fort Hays State University provides a hybrid Bachelor of General Studies with a business communication concentration that can be completed largely online. MidAmerica Nazarene University also uses a hybrid model for its Digital Communication program, combining online coursework with on-site meetings in Olathe.
- What are the best-paying jobs with a communications degree?
- Marketing managers, public relations directors, and media strategists tend to command the highest salaries. At the institutional level, graduates of Baker University and MidAmerica Nazarene report some of the strongest median earnings among Kansas communication programs, exceeding $62,000 ten years out. Specializing in digital marketing, strategic communication, or organizational communication can further boost your earning potential over time.
More Kansas Communication Programs to Consider
Beyond our top-ranked programs, several additional Kansas schools offer communication degrees. This directory lists them by region, including location, program format, and key features to help with your comparison.
Northeast Kansas
Benedictine College
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Baker University
Central Kansas
McPherson College
Sterling College
Western Kansas
Fort Hays State University
Bachelors by State
Northeast
Southeast
Southwest
DC & Territories
Bachelors by Specialty
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