2026 Best Value Communication Media Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Media Studies bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1126 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Communication Media Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $22,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Wayne State College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $25,325. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. That is a strong return on a $25,325 median debt. More on Wayne State College
University Of Maryland University College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $27,971. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Set against $27,971 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $14,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $14,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $25,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Ashford University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Located in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $37,188. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,404. That is a strong return on a $37,188 median debt. More on Ashford University
Western Illinois University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $30,000 in student loans. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. More on Western Illinois University
University Of South Dakota ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $26,000. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $21,759 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $21,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #17 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,775. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Bemidji State University placed #18 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Set 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. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full Bemidji State University report
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,534 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,548 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #20 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public school based in Pembroke, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $29,663. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. Set against $29,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke report
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $25,250. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Winona State University
Florida State College At Jacksonville landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jacksonville, FL, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,657, compared with $9,631 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $19,139. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,244. That is a strong return on a $19,139 median debt. See the full Florida State College At Jacksonville profile
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #22 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Truman State University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,280. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Truman State University report
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Students borrow a median of $24,455 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,378 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,455 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse profile
Central Michigan University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $27,000. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Central Michigan University
Western Carolina University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $18,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Western Carolina University report
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Northern Illinois University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $27,000. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. 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
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Media Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Students borrow a median of $24,212 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,458. That is a strong return on a $24,212 median debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
University Of North Dakota came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. University Of North Dakota Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
University Of Sacred Heart landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Santurce, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $15,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,754. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. More on University Of Sacred Heart
Nicholls State University placed #36 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Thibodaux, LA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,149, while out-of-state students pay about $9,242. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,454. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Nicholls State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Nicholls State University
University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full University Of Minnesota Duluth profile
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,387 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,177. Set against $19,387 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
San Jose State University placed #38 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on San Jose State University
Utah Valley University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,507, compared with $18,489 for out-of-state students. Utah Valley University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $14,200 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,486 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,200 median debt. Read more about Utah Valley University
Saint Cloud State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
California State University Channel Islands came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,159, 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,152. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Channel Islands admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Channel Islands
Southeastern Oklahoma State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Durant, OK, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,200, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $18,660. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,079. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Southeastern Oklahoma State University report
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $21,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Parkside ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Kenosha, WI, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,270, with out-of-state students paying around $17,429. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $51,129 ten years out. 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
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
San Francisco State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $15,000. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about San Francisco State University
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Graduates carry a median of $25,990 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,990 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #49 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $23,774 in debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,774 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Grand Canyon University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Grand Canyon University profile
University Of North Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. University Of North Georgia is a public school based in Dahlonega, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,135. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Georgia
Appalachian State University placed #54 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Appalachian State University is a public school based in Boone, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,579, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,836 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Appalachian State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Appalachian State University
Northwest Missouri State University placed #55 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Northwest Missouri State University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Northwest Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #56 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,903 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $24,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,030 ten years after entry. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southeast Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
California State University Sacramento came in at #57 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,876. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #58 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #60 position. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Liberty University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Liberty University
Related Communication Media Studies Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Communication Media Studies Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Communication Media Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Media Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Media Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Media Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Media Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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