20 Affordable Bachelor’s in Sports Communications and Sports Media Degrees

Sports communication is a specialized area of study focused on communication in a sports setting. This communication takes place across a variety of settings and contexts. Sports communication professionals can help athletes:

communicate with their fans
communicate through the media
report scores and plays
provide commentary through radio, television, or podcasts

It is also a great choice as a major for athletes who plan to go into motivational speaking.

We created this list of the top affordable sports communication major colleges. They offer a bachelor’s in sports communication. We used the net price figures provided by College Navigator. To be selected for our list, schools needed to hold regional accreditation. They also needed to offer a program with coursework and emphasis in an area for a sports communication degree. Our top 20 affordable bachelor’s in sports communications major and sports media degrees are below.

#20 – Susquehanna University – Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

Bachelor’s in Sports Media

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Net Price: $26,868
Susquehanna University features a top affordable online bachelor’s in sports media. It is rich with real world experience. Students gain valuable real-world experience working with the Sports Information Department. Some students have interned with organizations such as the Olympics and the Little League Hall of Fame. Sports Media required courses include:

Sports Media Relations and Promotion
Fundamentals of Digital Video Production
Audio Production and Media Performance

#19 – Florida Southern College – Lakeland, Florida

Bachelor’s in Sports Communication and Marketing

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Net Price: $26,135
Florida Southern College is one of the top colleges with sports communication majors. It is located strategically between Orlando and Tampa. FSC features a top affordable sports communication bachelor’s degree program. It has unlimited professional development opportunities. Students work closely with faculty and industry experts. They apply their classroom knowledge to the field. A state of the art broadcast studio and new HR video equipment and software allow students to produce top notch productions. Sports communication majors can participate in the National Student Advertising Competition. They gain real world experience working on an advertising campaign.

#18 – Bradley University – Peoria, Illinois

Bachelor’s in Sports Communication

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Net Price: $26,084
Bradley University offers one of the top-value sports communication majors. BU offers this bachelor’s degree through the Charley Steiner School of Sports Communication. It is the first of its kind in the country. Students are engaged from day one. There are unique opportunities writing for the campus newspaper. There is also the option of interning with one of the multiple Peoria area sports teams. Unique electives are available in areas like:

Global Media Systems
Sports Writing and Announcing
Broadcast News Reporting and Writing

#17 – LeTourneau University – Longview, Texas

Bachelor’s in Sports Communication

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Net Price: $23,386
LeTourneau University offers a best-value sports communication bachelor’s degree for students with a passion for athletics. Students gain a strong background in both kinesiology and marketing. They also develop competency in written and verbal sport communication. Courses include:

Mass Communication Concepts
Digital Marketing
Writing for Digital Media

Students have the opportunity to engage in exciting internship opportunities through:

KLTV-TV Sports
LeTourneau Sports
Longview News-Journal

Graduates are successful in areas like:

print journalism
TV broadcasting
public relations

#16 – University of Evansville – Evansville, Indiana

Bachelor’s in Sports Communication

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Net Price: $23,038
The University of Evansville features a high-value affordable bachelor’s in sports communication. It prepares students for a successful career. Students will study communication in the context of:

fan engagement
smart stadiums
sports media
other current issues and trends facing the industry

Courses include:

Sports Writing
Sports Promotion
Introduction to Data Analytics

Students have the unique opportunity to gain work experience through a partnership with ESPN3. All students complete three credit hours of practicum experience and one internship credit.

#15 – Webster University – Saint Louis, Missouri

Sports Communication (BA)

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Net Price: $22,727
Webster University features a low-priced sport communication bachelor’s degree program. It is offered through the School of Communications at the St. Louis campus. The program incorporates both the theory and practice of sport across settings and levels. Required courses include:

Sports Media Strategies
Culture of Sports and Society
Introduction to Media Writing

All students have the opportunity to complete a professional media internship, although it is not required. Students can stay current on the latest trends. They take electives in areas like:

sports analytics
podcasting
sports operations and logistics

#14 – Campbell University – Buies Creek, North Carolina

Sport Management, Sport Communication Concentration, B.S.

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Net Price: $22,458
The Department of Exercise Science at Campbell University features an economical bachelor’s in sport communication. This flexible degree program includes a variety of elective courses in:

physical education
business
healthy lifestyle

Required courses include:

Program Management
Writing for the Mass Media
Introduction to Converged Media

All students complete a six credit hour internship, gaining valuable professional work experience.

#13 – East Texas Baptist University – Marshall, Texas

Sports Communication (B.S.)

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Net Price: $21,850
East Texas Baptist University is one of the top sports broadcasting colleges. The School of Communication and Performing Arts offers the inexpensive top bachelor’s in sports communication. This interdisciplinary degree program provides students with the latest strategies and trends in communication. Required courses include:

Sports Reporting and Writing
Sports Broadcasting and Production
Mass Media Writing

Students can choose to complete either an internship in mass media or a course in communication research methods. Electives are offered in a variety of sport and communication areas.

#12 – Upper Iowa University – Fayette, Iowa

Bachelor’s in Communication-Sports Communication

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Net Price: $21,630
Upper Iowa University offers a low-cost sports communication bachelor’s degree program in an online or on-campus format. Students learn to analyze complex communication situations across a variety of sport areas. The affordable degree program emphasizes the relationship between print, broadcast, research, and digital/internet writing. This gives students the tools they need to work in multiple settings and roles. Internships are available both on and off-campus. This allows students to explore their professional interests while earning their degree.

#11 – Culver-Stockton College – Canton, Missouri

Bachelor’s in Communication-Sports Communication

Net Price: $20,327
Culver-Stockton College features a distinctive cost-effective top bachelor’s in sports communication. It is focused on real-world experiences. Students benefit from career-based assignments and hands-on learning through case studies. Courses cover areas like:

Communication Law
Mass Media and Society
Interpersonal Communication

Most students complete an internship experience. This prepares them for success in the workplace after graduation. Graduates are successful working in roles like:

media producer
media liaison
director of communication

#10 – Ashland University – Ashland, Ohio

Bachelor’s in Sport Communication

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Net Price: $20,231
The College of Arts and Sciences at Ashland University offers a top affordable bachelor’s in sport communication focused on theory, research, and application. Students benefit from small class size and experienced faculty. Beginning freshman year, students have the opportunity to engage in sport-center research. They gain hands-on experience in sport public relations. Courses cover areas like:

Relational Communication in Sport
Sport Public Relations
Sport Communication and Culture

Internship opportunities are available with:

pro sports teams
public relations firms
local media outlets.

#9 – Clemson University – Clemson, South Carolina

Sports Communication BA

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Net Price: $19,508
Clemson University created one of the first stand-alone sports communication in the nation. They recognize the specific needs of the industry. Students interact with sports industry professionals, developing their own networks. Research allows students to present at industry conferences or even see their work published. Faculty are active researchers and educators. They share their professional experience with their students. Courses cover:

Communication in Sports Organizations
Sports Media Criticism
Public Relations in Sports

All students are encouraged to complete an internship to supplement classroom learning.

#8 – Belhaven University – Jackson, Mississippi

Bachelor’s in Public Relations-Sports Communication Emphasis

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Net Price: $17,520
Belhaven University features a low-cost bachelor’s in sports communication for students who want a career in sports media or a sport-related organization. Students complete the basic requirements for the Public Relations program. They add specialized sport communication coursework to enhance their degree. Courses cover:

Understanding Audiences
Sports Marketing
Social Media Theory & Communications Strategies

An internship experience is required as part of the program. This professional growth experience prepares students for success in their new career.

#7 – Husson University – Bangor, Maine

B.S. Communications Technology – Sports Journalism

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Net Price: $18,417
The affordable bachelor’s in sports journalism from Husson University is designed for students who aspire to become a multi-media sports journalist. Students benefit from hands-on experience, working for the campus radio station or the student-run newspaper. Courses cover:

Radio News Writing and Reporting
Web Reporting
Sports Play-by-Play

Full-time students can complete the low-cost degree program in four years. Graduates are prepared to join the workforce. They may also continue to graduate school to take advanced coursework.

#6 – Mississippi College – Clinton, Mississippi

Sports Media and Marketing, B.S.

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Net Price: $17,520
Mississippi College offers an economical sports media and marketing bachelor’s degree program. It is a four year, campus-based program offered through a partnership with the Communication Department and the School of Business. The sports media concentration is comprised of 18 credit hours covering areas like:

Public Relations in College Athletics
Multimedia Journalism
Sports Journalism

Students can choose between a communication internship or a journalism internship, depending on their professional goals.

#5 – Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma

Bachelor’s in Sports Media

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Net Price: $15,009
The economical bachelor’s in sports media from Oklahoma State University is the largest stand-alone program of its kind in the country. Faculty have extensive industry experience and share their knowledge with students through classroom and hands-on learning activities. Courses include:

Sports in the Newsroom
Sports Reporting
Data Journalism

Graduates are successful in a variety of roles including:

sportswriter
sports reporter
media coordinator

#4 – Newman University – Wichita, Kansas

Bachelor of Science in Sports Communication

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Net Price: $13,902
Newman University features a cheap bachelor’s in sports communication blending business and communication courses. Courses cover areas like:

Crosscultural Communication
Professional Presentation
Organization and Administration of Sport, Exercise, and Health

Faculty have industry experience in sport communication. They are eager to help students develop a plan for career success. Internship opportunities are available throughout the Wichita community with organizations such as the YMCA and the Wichita Thunder Hockey team.

#3 – Ferris State University – Big Rapids, Michigan

Bachelor’s in Sports Communication

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Net Price: $13,351
The College of Arts and Sciences at Ferris State University features an economical sports communication bachelor’s degree program rich with hands-on learning opportunities. Students develop “soft” communication skills while completing core courses and then select a workplace application area to develop their “hard” skills. Students can choose from:

Management and Leadership
Broadcasting/Journalism
Event and Facilities Management
Media and Marketing

They also choose an academic minor to gain further marketability. All students complete a hands-on team project to gain professional skills. Students:

hear from guest speakers
attend community events
work internships designed to prepare them for success in their career

#2 – Arizona State University – Phoenix, Arizona

Sports Journalism (BA)

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Net Price: $13,081
Arizona State University features a cost-effective bachelor’s in sports journalism available as an accelerated program. The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication prepares sports journalism students for successful careers in sport media and communication. Courses are available in:

Sports Writing
Sports Photography
Sports Strategic Communication

Internship opportunities are available with well-known organizations including ESPN and Fox Sports

#1 – Youngstown State University – Youngstown, Ohio

Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication Studies, Sports Broadcasting Track

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Net Price: $11,033
Youngstown State University is one of the top sports broadcasting schools. The most affordable bachelor’s in sport communication to make our ranking is offered by Youngstown State University. YSU features a sports broadcasting degrees track for students interested in both sports media including:

media sales and advertising
writing and editing
production

Hands-on opportunities are available through Youngstown State University Athletics making it one of the best schools for sports broadcasting. Courses in the sports broadcasting degree program cover areas like:

Broadcast Sports Performance
Cross-Platform Sports Broadcasting
Sports Media Production

Graduates are prepared for careers through colleges for sports journalism, public and media relations, media management, and digital media production.

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