2026 Best Communication Media Studies Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

No school ranked higher than University Of Pennsylvania this year in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $15,637 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania

#2

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

The strong Communication Media Studies programs at Northwestern University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Students borrow a median of $18,112 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. See the full Northwestern University profile

#3

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

You'll be in good company at Cornell University, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,418 in student loans. See the full Cornell University profile

#4

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI

You'll be in good company at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. About 93% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $20,376 in debt. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

#5

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #5 on this year's Communication Media Studies ranking in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $20,500. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#6

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

University Of Southern California came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,702 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. See the full University Of Southern California profile

#7

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $23,250. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#8

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus placed #8 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus graduates 83% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus

#9

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $23,258. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report

#10

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $15,500 in debt. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report

#11

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $21,577 in debt. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#12

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #12 in this year's ranking. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $19,500. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report

#14

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. This public school is set in College Park, MD. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $20,000. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report

#15

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #15 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 81%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $26,750. Get the full Michigan State University report

#17

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $22,500. See the full University Of Georgia profile

#18

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Stanford University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Located in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Stanford University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Read more about Stanford University

#19

University Of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. University Of Colorado Boulder posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $17,500. More on University Of Colorado Boulder

#21

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,138 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report

#22

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #22 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. University Of Iowa graduates 75% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $25,814. More on University Of Iowa

#23

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $16,433 in debt. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus

#24

Ohio State University Main Campus

Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Ohio State University Main Campus graduates 88% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,500 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus

#25

American University

Washington, DC

American University did well this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. American University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $22,611 in debt. Read more about American University

#26

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona placed #26 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. University Of Arizona posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Get the full University Of Arizona report

#27

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University did well this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $22,500. More on Arizona State University

#28

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Syracuse University graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $27,000. See the full Syracuse University profile

#29

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus graduates 75% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#30

The University Of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN

The University Of Tennessee landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Located in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. The University Of Tennessee Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $20,875 in debt. More on The University Of Tennessee

#31

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $17,669. More on University Of Florida

#32

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read more about University Of Kansas

#33

University Of California San Diego

La Jolla, CA

University Of California San Diego ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. University Of California San Diego graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,788, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $14,568. Get the full University Of California San Diego report

#34

University Of Denver

Denver, CO

University Of Denver placed #34 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Denver posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. In-state tuition and fees run about $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

#35

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $18,017. Read the full report on University Of Utah

#36

The University Of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama placed #36 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. The University Of Alabama posts a six-year graduation rate of 73%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $25,000. Read the full report on The University Of Alabama

#37

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University placed #37 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Washington State University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. Read the full report on Washington State University

#38

Colorado State University Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #38 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $24,647. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins

#39

University Of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

University Of Kentucky did well this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. About 71% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. University Of Kentucky Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $23,875 in debt. Read more about University Of Kentucky

#40

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College did well this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. About 66% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,954, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $22,875 in debt. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

#41

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University placed #41 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $20,488. More on Florida State University

#42

University Of Oregon

Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon placed #42 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. University Of Oregon is a public school based in Eugene, OR. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. University Of Oregon Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $16,500 in debt. More on University Of Oregon

#43

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. About 60% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of North Dakota

#44

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University came in at #44 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Drexel University posts a six-year graduation rate of 78%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. Students borrow a median of $28,838 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read more about Drexel University

#45

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $26,000. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

#46

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#47

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University did well this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Temple University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Students borrow a median of $24,880 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. More on Temple University

#48

Ohio University Main Campus

Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Ohio University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $24,063. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile

#49

University Of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,125 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. See the full University Of Massachusetts Amherst profile

#50

University At Buffalo

Buffalo, NY

University At Buffalo did well this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $22,251. More on University At Buffalo

#51

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. About 77% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile

#52

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University came in at #52 in this year's ranking. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read the full report on West Virginia University

#53

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #53 in this year's ranking. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. About 61% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $25,449 in debt. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus