2026 Best Value Communication Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools

#3

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

Brigham Young University Provo came in at #3 on this year's best-value Communication Media Studies ranking 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. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $22,530. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $22,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo

#4

Drake University

Des Moines, IA

You'll get strong value at Drake University, which ranked #4 this year. Located in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,960. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $22,273. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,901. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Drake University

#5

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI

A rank of #5 makes Spring Arbor University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,014. Graduates carry a median of $28,268 in student loans. 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 has an acceptance rate of 52%. Read more about Spring Arbor University

#6

University Of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA

University Of Dubuque landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dubuque, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,095. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $27,204. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,190. That is a strong return on a $27,204 median debt. University Of Dubuque has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on University Of Dubuque

#8

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato

#9

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fitchburg State University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fitchburg State University

#10

West Texas A And M University

Canyon, TX

West Texas A And M University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. West Texas A And M University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $22,333 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full West Texas A And M University report

#11

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong

#13

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $20,125. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $20,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Illinois State University

#14

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. More on Northern Illinois University

#15

University Of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. See the full University Of South Dakota profile

#16

Asbury University

Wilmore, KY

Asbury University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Wilmore, KY, Asbury University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $33,640. Graduates carry a median of $28,104 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,368. That is a strong return on a $28,104 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Asbury University profile

#17

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Delaware

#17

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University placed #17 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. 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. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Liberty University report

#17

Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY

Bellarmine University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,770 in tuition and fees. Bellarmine University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $25,853 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,069. Set against $25,853 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bellarmine University report

#20

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full South Dakota State University report

#21

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $25,375 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,537 ten years after entry. Set against $25,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read the full report on University Of Dayton

#22

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. 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. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Cloud State University

#23

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University placed #23 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Located in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,400. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $88,794 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairfield University admits about 33% of applicants. More on Fairfield University

#24

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, OK

Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $23,465. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northeastern State University report

#25

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Grand Canyon University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, 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. Read more about Grand Canyon University

#26

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $28,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Lindenwood University profile

#27

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $21,759. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,759 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile

#27

Westminster College Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

Westminster College Utah placed #27 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Westminster College Utah is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $43,528. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $24,454. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,215. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westminster College Utah admits about 67% of applicants. More on Westminster College Utah

#29

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

Villanova University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,456 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,423. That is a strong return on a $26,456 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Villanova University profile

#30

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $24,713. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $24,713 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Montclair State University report

#31

University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. University Of Nebraska At Omaha Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha

#32

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN

Purdue University Northwest landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. Students from in state pay about $8,357 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,318. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest

#32

Lasell College

Newton, MA

Lasell College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Newton, MA, Lasell College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,040. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lasell College admits about 81% of applicants. More on Lasell College

#35

Marist College

Poughkeepsie, NY

Marist College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Poughkeepsie, NY, Marist College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,620 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,819. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. More on Marist College

#36

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield

#37

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $22,138 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#38

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

Webster University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. Webster University Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $30,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,876. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Webster University report

#39

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $14,418 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full Cornell University profile

#39

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,347 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus

#41

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Central Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $55,874 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Michigan University profile

#42

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #42 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile

#43

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Wayne, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,532, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $25,289 in debt. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne alumni report median earnings of $45,872 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne

#45

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University placed #45 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Highland Heights, KY. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Northern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $50,220 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Kentucky University

#46

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $25,449 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile

#47

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus placed #47 among the best-value Communication Media Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Communication Media Studies students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile

#49

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. 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. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,077. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Francisco State University

#49

University Of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Typical Communication Media Studies student debt is $19,387. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile

#49

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. 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. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report

#52

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus

Portales, NM

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $20,054. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,550 ten years after entry. Set against $20,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus

#55

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #55 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#55

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS

Jackson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #55 position. Jackson State University is a public school based in Jackson, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,965, with out-of-state students paying around $11,965. Students borrow a median of $31,624 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,060. That is a strong return on a $31,624 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Jackson State University profile

#57

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno came in at #57 in this year's value ranking. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Media Studies program debt is $17,688. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,688 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nevada Reno

#59

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University ranked #59 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Media Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Students borrow a median of $23,531 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Marquette University

#60

Grand Valley State University

Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #60 position. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Media Studies program here. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. More on Grand Valley State University