2026 Best Value Communication Media Studies Schools

#4

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

A rank of #4 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $22,530 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report

#6

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, NM

Central New Mexico Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Albuquerque, NM, Central New Mexico Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $10,112. Central New Mexico Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,869 a decade after entry. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile

#7

Drake University

Des Moines, IA

Drake University placed #7 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Drake University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $22,273 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants. More on Drake University

#10

Cuny Laguardia Community College

Long Island City, NY

Cuny Laguardia Community College placed #10 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Long Island City, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $5,218, compared with $8,098 for out-of-state students. Cuny Laguardia Community College Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $8,511 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,653. Set against $8,511 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cuny Laguardia Community College profile

#11

Wayne State College

Wayne, NE

Wayne State College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $25,325. Wayne State College alumni report median earnings of $47,075 a decade after entry. Set against $25,325 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wayne State College

#12

University Of Maryland University College

Adelphi, MD

University Of Maryland University College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $27,971. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. Set against $27,971 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College

#14

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $14,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,125 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#15

Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College

New York, NY

Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,170, with out-of-state students paying around $8,050. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $8,643. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,306 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College

#16

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong

#18

Austin Community College District

Austin, TX

Austin Community College District landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Austin Community College District is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $14,519. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,177 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Austin Community College District

#19

Ashford University

San Diego, CA

Ashford University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $37,188 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ashford University

#21

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Western Illinois University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $30,000. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Set against $30,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Illinois University

#22

San Diego Mesa College

San Diego, CA

San Diego Mesa College placed #22 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. San Diego Mesa College is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $6,999. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,120. Set against $6,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full San Diego Mesa College profile

#23

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University

#25

University Of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

University Of South Dakota landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota

#26

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $21,759. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $21,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

#27

Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania

Kutztown, PA

Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,775 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report

#28

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI

Spring Arbor University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spring Arbor, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,014. Students borrow a median of $28,268 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,732. Set against $28,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Spring Arbor University admits about 52% of applicants. See the full Spring Arbor University profile

#29

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN

Bemidji State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Students borrow a median of $20,875 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Set against $20,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. More on Bemidji State University

#30

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public school based in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $26,534 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh

#31

Nassau Community College

Garden City, NY

Nassau Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in Garden City, NY, Nassau Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,330, compared with $12,130 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,248. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Get the full Nassau Community College report

#32

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke

Pembroke, NC

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #32 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pembroke, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $29,663 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,407. Set against $29,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Pembroke

#33

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Winona State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Winona State University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $25,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Winona State University profile

#34

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato

#35

West Texas A And M University

Canyon, TX

West Texas A And M University placed #35 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $22,333. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about West Texas A And M University

#36

Florida State College At Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL

Florida State College At Jacksonville came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jacksonville, FL, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,657, compared with $9,631 for out-of-state students. Florida State College At Jacksonville Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $19,139 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,244. That is a strong return on a $19,139 median debt. Read more about Florida State College At Jacksonville

#37

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

#38

Truman State University

Kirksville, MO

Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Truman State University report

#39

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

La Crosse, WI

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #39 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $24,455. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse alumni report median earnings of $60,378 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse report

#40

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Northern Illinois University

#41

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC

Western Carolina University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $18,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Carolina University report

#42

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report

#43

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile

#44

University Of Wisconsin River Falls

River Falls, WI

University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Graduates carry a median of $24,212 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls

#45

University Of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. University Of North Dakota Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. More on University Of North Dakota

#46

University Of Sacred Heart

Santurce, PR

University Of Sacred Heart came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santurce, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. University Of Sacred Heart alumni report median earnings of $31,754 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. Get the full University Of Sacred Heart report

#47

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Liberty University

#48

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH

Sinclair Community College came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Sinclair Community College Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $11,944 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,558 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,944 median debt. See the full Sinclair Community College profile

#49

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Grand Canyon University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Grand Canyon University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University

#50

Nicholls State University

Thibodaux, LA

Nicholls State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,149, with out-of-state students paying around $9,242. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,454 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Nicholls State University

#51

University Of Minnesota Duluth

Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Students borrow a median of $24,182 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. Set against $24,182 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Duluth

#52

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report

#52

University Of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa placed #52 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $19,387. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on University Of Northern Iowa

#54

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT

Utah Valley University placed #54 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Orem, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $14,200. Median earnings reach $55,486 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Utah Valley University

#55

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA

California State University Channel Islands landed the #55 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,159 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,759 for out-of-state students. California State University Channel Islands Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $13,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,152. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt. California State University Channel Islands admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about California State University Channel Islands

#56

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #56 position. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about San Jose State University

#57

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Durant, OK

Southeastern Oklahoma State University came in at #57 in this year's value ranking. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public school based in Durant, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $7,200, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $18,660. Median earnings reach $45,079 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeastern Oklahoma State University admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Southeastern Oklahoma State University report

#58

University Of Wisconsin Parkside

Kenosha, WI

University Of Wisconsin Parkside placed #58 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Kenosha, WI, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,270, while out-of-state students pay about $17,429. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,129. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Parkside admits about 75% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Parkside profile

#60

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX

Sam Houston State University placed #60 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Sam Houston State University

#60

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University offered strong value this year, earning the #60 position. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University