2026 Best Communication Media Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Communication Media Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1126 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Communication Media Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Santa Clara University earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santa Clara, CA. About 88% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $61,293. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $18,500. Get the full Santa Clara University report
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #2 on this year's Communication Media Studies ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $15,637. More on University Of Pennsylvania
Northwestern University came in at #3 on this year's Communication Media Studies ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. About 95% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $18,112. Get the full Northwestern University report
A rank of #4 makes University Of California Berkeley one of the top choices in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $11,180. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
The strong Communication Media Studies programs at Wake Forest University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. About 89% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $67,642 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $22,250. See the full Wake Forest University profile
Cornell University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. About 95% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $14,418 in student loans. Read the full report on Cornell University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #7 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates 93% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $20,376. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #8 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Boston College did well this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read the full report on Boston College
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $14,125. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
University Of Southern California landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $17,702. Read more about University Of Southern California
College Of Saint Benedict ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Saint Joseph, MN, College Of Saint Benedict is a private not-for-profit institution. College Of Saint Benedict graduates 77% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,756. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full College Of Saint Benedict report
Villanova University placed #14 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,456 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read the full report on Villanova University
University Of Delaware came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $25,000. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Fairfield University placed #17 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $58,400. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Get the full Fairfield University report
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. University Of Missouri Columbia posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill did well this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $15,500 in student loans. See the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill profile
Texas Christian University came in at #20 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. Texas Christian University graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. More on Texas Christian University
James Madison University did well this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. James Madison University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $21,502 in debt. Get the full James Madison University report
Elon University did well this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Elon, NC. About 84% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $46,958 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $23,250. See the full Elon University profile
Depauw University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Greencastle, IN, Depauw University is a private not-for-profit institution. Depauw University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $59,070. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. See the full Depauw University profile
Denison University placed #24 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Granville, OH. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,000. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $25,187. Read the full report on Denison University
University Of Dayton did well this year, earning the #25 position. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. University Of Dayton posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $25,375 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Dayton
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #28 in this year's ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Communication Media Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $20,613. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Wisconsin Lutheran College did well this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,110. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. See the full Wisconsin Lutheran College profile
University Of Maryland College Park did well this year, earning the #31 position. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo placed #32 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates 86% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Graduates carry a median of $14,928 in student loans. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Maryland University College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. About 20% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $27,971. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
Arizona State University Skysong did well this year, earning the #34 position. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $22,500. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
University Of Kansas landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of Denver ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit school based in Denver, CO. University Of Denver graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $61,398. University Of Denver Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $24,500 in debt. Get the full University Of Denver report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities did well this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Lake Forest College came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Located in Lake Forest, IL, Lake Forest College is a private not-for-profit institution. Lake Forest College posts a six-year graduation rate of 78%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,402. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Lake Forest College
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Located in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. About 77% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Furman University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Greenville, SC, Furman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Furman University posts a six-year graduation rate of 79%. In-state tuition and fees average $59,770. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $22,631. See the full Furman University profile
Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #43 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus graduates 83% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $18,500. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Samford University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Birmingham, AL. Samford University graduates 77% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $40,150. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $21,039. Read more about Samford University
Northeastern University placed #46 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northeastern University graduates 90% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $23,250. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Loyola University Baltimore ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Baltimore, MD, Loyola University Baltimore is a private not-for-profit institution. Loyola University Baltimore graduates 79% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,150. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. More on Loyola University Baltimore
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,168, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $16,433 in debt. More on University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #51 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, while out-of-state students pay about $37,441. Rutgers University New Brunswick Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College did well this year, earning the #52 position. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Students borrow a median of $22,875 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. University Of Washington Seattle Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $16,433 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Loyola Marymount University ranked #54 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Loyola Marymount University graduates 79% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
Michigan State University landed the #55 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. About 81% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $26,750. Read the full report on Michigan State University
Ashford University ranked #57 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Ashford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 10%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Students borrow a median of $37,188 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read the full report on Ashford University
Gustavus Adolphus College came in at #58 in this year's ranking. Based in Saint Peter, MN, Gustavus Adolphus College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,076. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. See the full Gustavus Adolphus College profile
Catholic University Of America came in at #59 in this year's ranking. Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $58,378 in tuition and fees. Catholic University Of America Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Get the full Catholic University Of America report
Related Communication Media Studies Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Communication Media Studies Schools (All Levels)
- Best Communication Media Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Communication Media Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Communication Media Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Communication Media Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Communication Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Communication Media Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1126 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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