2026 Best Value Communication Media Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Media Studies doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1126 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
A rank of #2 makes Liberty University one of the best values in the United States. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on Liberty University
A rank of #3 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the best values in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Nebraska Lincoln earned it the #4 place in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $22,138. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,138 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #5 on this year's best-value Communication Media Studies ranking in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Cornell University placed #6 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $14,418. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Set against $14,418 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on Cornell University
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $25,415. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #8 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $25,449. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
Texas Tech University placed #10 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,063 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,063 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
University Of North Dakota ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $24,000. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $21,577. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
University Of Georgia came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Georgia
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $25,000. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Graduates carry a median of $15,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $15,637. Graduates go on to earn a median of $111,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Arizona State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $22,500. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Arizona State University profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Kansas landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $22,250. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about University Of Kansas
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Indiana, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $27,000. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $18,017. Median earnings reach $67,170 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,017 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Utah
University Of Iowa landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $25,814 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $25,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $16,433. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $16,433 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Media Studies Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Colorado Boulder offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. University Of Colorado Boulder Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,738. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder admits about 78% of applicants. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
Florida State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Students borrow a median of $20,488 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Median earnings reach $61,675 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,488 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University
Temple University placed #31 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Temple University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $24,880 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. Set against $24,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Temple University
University Of California San Diego landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,676 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,568 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $14,568 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about University Of California San Diego
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee profile
Washington State University placed #34 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Washington State University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $21,903 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Washington State University
University Of Florida landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,669 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,588 ten years after entry. Set against $17,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Florida
University Of Memphis landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $23,381. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $23,381 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Memphis
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $24,647. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Colorado State University Fort Collins
Michigan State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $26,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan State University report
The University Of Tennessee landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $20,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. That is a strong return on a $20,875 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Tennessee
University Of Arizona placed #40 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $19,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Arizona profile
University At Buffalo came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. University At Buffalo is a public school based in Buffalo, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,936, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $22,251. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,251 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University At Buffalo
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #41 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,631. Graduates carry a median of $22,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,251 ten years after entry. Set against $22,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
The University Of Alabama ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,221 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about The University Of Alabama
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,376 in student loans. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor alumni report median earnings of $83,648 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,376 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants. Get the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor report
West Virginia University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Morgantown, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $28,608 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $23,772. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,939. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on West Virginia University
University Of Oregon came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Eugene, OR, University Of Oregon is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,320, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $16,500. Median earnings reach $61,324 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Oregon
Northwestern University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $18,112. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,363. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 8% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northwestern University
Regent University placed #48 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Regent University is a private not-for-profit school based in Virginia Beach, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,650. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $23,750. Regent University alumni report median earnings of $44,498 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Get the full Regent University report
Georgia State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Georgia State University is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,854 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,384. That is a strong return on a $27,854 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Georgia State University
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Ohio State University Main Campus Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $23,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 61%. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Kentucky came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,875 in student loans. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. Set against $23,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
American University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $22,611. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,370 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,611 median debt. American University has an acceptance rate of 62%. See the full American University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #53 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Related Communication Media Studies Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Media Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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