2026 Best Communication Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Communication Media Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1126 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our analysis found University Of Pennsylvania to be the best Communication Media Studies school 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. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $15,637 in student loans. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
You'll be in good company at Northwestern University, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $18,112. See the full Northwestern University profile
The strong Communication Media Studies programs at Johns Hopkins University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. Johns Hopkins University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $13,426 in debt. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
You'll be in good company at Cornell University, which ranked #4 this year. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $14,418. Get the full Cornell University report
The strong Communication Media Studies programs at Drake University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. About 73% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $22,273. Read more about Drake University
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Columbia University In The City Of New York posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $23,258. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #7 spot in the United States this year. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $18,500. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Villanova University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,776. Villanova University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $26,456 in debt. More on Villanova University
University Of Southern California placed #9 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. University Of Southern California posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,647. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $17,702. More on University Of Southern California
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #10 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Fairfield University placed #11 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,400. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $27,000. Read more about Fairfield University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, 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
University Of Delaware landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. University Of Delaware graduates 82% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Stanford University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. About 92% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $10,492. Read the full report on Stanford University
Texas Christian University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $21,500. Read the full report on Texas Christian University
University Of Dayton landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. University Of Dayton posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $25,375 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Dayton
James Madison University placed #17 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. About 80% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Students borrow a median of $21,502 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Get the full James Madison University report
University Of Iowa ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $25,814. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $23,250. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $16,433. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #23 in this year's ranking. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $20,613 in student loans. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
University Of San Francisco came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. See the full University Of San Francisco profile
South Dakota State University landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. South Dakota State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $25,500. Read more about South Dakota State University
Wake Forest University did well this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wake Forest University graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,642. Wake Forest University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. More on Wake Forest University
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Rest of the Top 50 Best Communication Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
American University did well this year, earning the #29 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. About 76% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. Students borrow a median of $22,611 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. See the full American University profile
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. About 74% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $17,500. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #32 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. University Of Nebraska Lincoln posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $22,138. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #33 among Communication Media Studies schools 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, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Westminster College Utah landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,528. Students borrow a median of $24,454 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Get the full Westminster College Utah report
University Of Nevada Reno did well this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $17,688. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno
Bryant University came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Located in Smithfield, RI, Bryant University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,677. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Bryant University
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Brigham Young University Provo posts a six-year graduation rate of 81%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $22,530 in debt. More on Brigham Young University Provo
University Of Florida landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. University Of Florida posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $17,669. Read the full report on University Of Florida
University Of Georgia came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
University Of Arizona came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. University Of Arizona posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. University Of Arizona Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $19,750 in debt. Get the full University Of Arizona report
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. 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. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $23,500. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Denver did well this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Denver graduates 76% of students within six years. 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
University Of Northern Iowa placed #44 among Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,387 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
Northeastern University Global Network did well this year, earning the #45 position. Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,688. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $23,250. See the full Northeastern University Global Network profile
Marquette University did well this year, earning the #46 position. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. Marquette University posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Students borrow a median of $23,531 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. More on Marquette University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha did well this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. About 49% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
Baylor University landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Baylor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waco, TX. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,100. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $23,860. Read the full report on Baylor University
Indiana University Bloomington did well this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Kansas did well this year, earning the #51 position. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. More on University Of Kansas
The University Of Tennessee ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $20,875. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
Duquesne University ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duquesne University posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. Duquesne University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $26,297 in debt. Get the full Duquesne University report
Washington State University came in at #54 in this year's ranking. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. About 60% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. More on Washington State University
Bellarmine University ranked #55 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Bellarmine University posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,770. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $25,853. Read more about Bellarmine University
Related Communication Media Studies Rankings
Compare rankings at 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Communication Media Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Communication Media Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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