2026 Best Value Communication Journalism Media Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Journalism Media bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1525 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.
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,667 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Franklin University landed the #4 spot. Set in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,577. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $42,017. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,892. That is a strong return on a $42,017 median debt. More on Franklin University
Bellevue University placed #6 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. Bellevue University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $27,852 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bellevue University profile
Wayne State College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Wayne State College is a public school based in Wayne, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,171. Wayne State College Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,325 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,075. That is a strong return on a $25,325 median debt. Read more about Wayne State College
University Of Maryland University College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $27,971. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
Metropolitan State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $34,933. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #10 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 average $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $14,125. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $24,120 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Wilmington University placed #12 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set against $32,308 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wilmington University profile
South Dakota State University placed #13 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about South Dakota State University
Ashford University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $41,758 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $35,404 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ashford University profile
University Of Florida Online came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. University Of Florida Online is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,876, while out-of-state students pay about $16,579. Students borrow a median of $17,472 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Florida Online
University Of South Dakota came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public school based in Kearney, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,602 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,105 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
Northeastern University Global Network ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $50,688. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Read more about Northeastern University Global Network
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. 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. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Set against $21,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Western Illinois University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $29,659. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Johnson And Wales University Online ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Providence, RI, Johnson And Wales University Online is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,365. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $43,418 ten years out. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Johnson And Wales University Online
Bemidji State University placed #23 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $20,875. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bemidji State University profile
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $29,663. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Winona State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $25,250 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Winona State University report
Florida State College At Jacksonville came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Florida State College At Jacksonville is a public school based in Jacksonville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,657, while out-of-state students pay about $9,631. Florida State College At Jacksonville Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $19,139 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,244. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Florida State College At Jacksonville
University Of Sacred Heart ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Santurce, PR, University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,594 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,754. That is a strong return on a $12,594 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read more about University Of Sacred Heart
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Journalism Media Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Truman State University profile
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,455. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,378. That is a strong return on a $24,455 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse report
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #31 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $24,212 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. That is a strong return on a $24,212 median debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #32 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
West Texas A And M University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,165 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Set against $21,165 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #34 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #35 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kutztown, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $26,360. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,775. That is a strong return on a $26,360 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $24,317 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. Set against $24,317 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Northern Illinois University landed the #38 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. Northern Illinois University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,058 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $26,058 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Miami University Hamilton landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Hamilton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $7,012, while out-of-state students pay about $18,811. Graduates carry a median of $24,570 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $24,570 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Miami University Hamilton
University Of North Dakota came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $24,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Central Michigan University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Journalism Media 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. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Central Michigan University
Western Carolina University placed #42 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $20,840. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $20,840 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Carolina University
Ferris State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,580. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ferris State University
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,931. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
National University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Students borrow a median of $30,622 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,622 median debt. See the full National University profile
Nicholls State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,149 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,242 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nicholls State University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Nicholls State University
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $25,817. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $25,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Minnesota Duluth profile
Eastern Illinois University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Charleston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Eastern Illinois University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $24,008 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,989 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. More on Eastern Illinois University
Saint Cloud State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Utah Valley University placed #50 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $14,200. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,486 ten years after entry. Set against $14,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Utah Valley University
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,817 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. Set against $20,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants. More on University Of Northern Iowa
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $28,350 in student loans. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 14% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
California State University Channel Islands ranked #55 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,159, compared with $19,759 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,152 ten years after entry. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Channel Islands has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on California State University Channel Islands
Related Communication Journalism Media Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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