2026 Best Value Communication Journalism Media Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Journalism Media programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1525 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 evaluated 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 Journalism Media Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. Graduates carry a median of $26,924 in student loans. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. Set against $26,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about La Salle University
A rank of #2 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $13,667 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. 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
A rank of #5 makes Central New Mexico Community College one of the best values in the United States. Central New Mexico Community College is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. The median Communication Journalism Media program 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. More on Central New Mexico Community College
Franklin University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,577 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $42,017 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,892 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $42,017 median debt. Read the full report on Franklin University
Cuny Laguardia Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $8,511. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,653. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cuny Laguardia Community College
Wayne State College placed #10 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,171. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,325. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,075. Set against $25,325 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wayne State College
University Of Maryland University College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $27,971. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,971 median debt. More on University Of Maryland University College
Metropolitan State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $34,933. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. Set against $34,933 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
Bellevue University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. Bellevue University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $27,852 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Bellevue University profile
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,170, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $8,643. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,306 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Austin Community College District ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Austin Community College District is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $8,627. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,177. That is a strong return on a $8,627 median debt. Read more about Austin Community College District
Wilmington University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $32,308 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,308 median debt. Read the full report on Wilmington University
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,120. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,120 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
South Dakota State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,825. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,825 median debt. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. See the full South Dakota State University profile
San Diego Mesa College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $6,999. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,120 ten years after entry. Set against $6,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full San Diego Mesa College report
Ashford University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $41,758 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ashford University
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
University Of Florida Online came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of Florida Online is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $3,876 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $17,472. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $17,472 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida Online profile
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $22,602. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. Set against $22,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Students borrow a median of $21,759 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $21,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Western Illinois University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $29,659. 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. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Illinois University
Johnson And Wales University Online offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Providence, RI, Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,365. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $24,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,418 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Johnson And Wales University Online admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Johnson And Wales University Online profile
Bemidji State University placed #28 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Bemidji State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $20,875 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Bemidji State University
University Of Sacred Heart placed #29 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit school based in Santurce, PR. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $12,594. University Of Sacred Heart alumni report median earnings of $31,754 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Sacred Heart admits about 58% of applicants. Read more about University Of Sacred Heart
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Journalism Media Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Nassau Community College placed #29 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Garden City, NY, Nassau Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,330 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,130. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $11,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,248. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Nassau Community College profile
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #32 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $29,663. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,407. Set against $29,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke profile
Winona State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $25,250. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Winona State University
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #34 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Florida State College At Jacksonville landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Jacksonville, FL, Florida State College At Jacksonville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,657, compared with $9,631 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $19,139. Median earnings reach $42,244 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Florida State College At Jacksonville profile
Truman State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Truman State University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #39 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Students borrow a median of $24,455 to complete their Communication Journalism Media 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. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse profile
West Texas A And M University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. West Texas A And M University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $21,165 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located 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 Journalism Media program here. 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. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Spring Arbor University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,014 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,268 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,732. That is a strong return on a $28,268 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%. See the full Spring Arbor University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,360 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,775 ten years after entry. Set against $26,360 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Northern Illinois University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,058. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $26,058 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $14,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $14,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Drake University placed #48 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read the full report on Drake University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,317 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. That is a strong return on a $24,317 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Columbia College Chicago placed #50 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. Graduates carry a median of $25,971 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,195. Set against $25,971 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Columbia College Chicago
Miami University Hamilton offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Miami University Hamilton is a public school based in Hamilton, OH. Students from in state pay about $7,012 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,811 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,570. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,570 median debt. Get the full Miami University Hamilton report
University Of North Dakota placed #52 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Western Carolina University ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $20,840 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Central Michigan University placed #54 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #56 position. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Ferris State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $22,580 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Set against $22,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Grand Canyon University came in at #57 in this year's value ranking. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,322 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Canyon University has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on Grand Canyon University
Best Value Communication Journalism Media Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 1525 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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