2026 Best Value Communication Journalism Media Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Journalism Media certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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 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 Journalism Media Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Central New Mexico Community College to be the best-value Communication Journalism Media school in the United States. This public school is set in Albuquerque, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $10,112. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,869 ten years after entry. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central New Mexico Community College profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #3 on this year's best-value Communication Journalism Media ranking in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #5 spot. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Students borrow a median of $22,483 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead
University Of North Dakota landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Sinclair Community College placed #7 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,675 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Sinclair Community College Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $11,944 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,558. That is a strong return on a $11,944 median debt. See the full Sinclair Community College profile
Ferris State University placed #8 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Ferris State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $22,580 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $22,580 median debt. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Ferris State University
University Of Wisconsin Parkside came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,270 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,429 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,129. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Parkside report
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,012 in student loans. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Set against $23,012 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $24,317. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,548. Set against $24,317 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,730. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,730 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
Black Hills State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Black Hills State University is a public school based in Spearfish, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,916, while out-of-state students pay about $12,018. Graduates carry a median of $26,820 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,674 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,820 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full Black Hills State University profile
Cuny City College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,340, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Cuny City College Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $15,827 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny City College
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Western Michigan University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,883 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,562. Set against $26,883 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Western Michigan University
University Of Florida landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,358 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $17,358 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $20,499. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $20,499 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. 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 Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,273. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $20,974. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,974 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Columbus State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbus, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,898, compared with $17,610 for out-of-state students. Columbus State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $29,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,544 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,500 median debt. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Columbus State University
Full Sail University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Winter Park, FL, Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $26,906. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $31,999. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,219. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Full Sail University profile
Augusta University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,414, while out-of-state students pay about $24,734. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $30,520. Augusta University alumni report median earnings of $48,472 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,520 median debt. Augusta University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Augusta University
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $18,040. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Angelo State University placed #26 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in San Angelo, TX, Angelo State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $21,369. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,116 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,369 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Angelo State University report
Wichita State University placed #27 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Students borrow a median of $25,159 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. Set against $25,159 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full Wichita State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Journalism Media Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Central Missouri placed #28 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Warrensburg, MO, University Of Central Missouri is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $25,665. Median earnings reach $49,560 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,665 median debt. University Of Central Missouri has an acceptance rate of 64%. See the full University Of Central Missouri profile
Arizona State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,038 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,038 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University
University Of Georgia came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,731 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,731 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Georgia
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #31 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,246. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Rowan University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Rowan University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $23,623 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,988 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rowan University
Dixie State College Of Utah ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Saint George, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,306, with out-of-state students paying around $18,246. Dixie State College Of Utah Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,570 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Read the full report on Dixie State College Of Utah
Savannah College Of Art And Design landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Savannah College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit school based in Savannah, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,630. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $45,954 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Savannah College Of Art And Design
Eastern Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Eastern Washington University is a public school based in Cheney, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Eastern Washington University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,897. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Eastern Washington University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,935. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,935 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Boise State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Boise, ID, Boise State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Boise State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $23,009 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,658 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Boise State University
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $21,176. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $21,176 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,125. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Husson University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bangor, ME, Husson University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,304. Husson University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Husson University alumni report median earnings of $45,025 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Husson University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Husson University
Washington State University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $21,059. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Washington State University profile
University Of Kentucky landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,038 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. That is a strong return on a $25,038 median debt. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of Kentucky
Webster University placed #43 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,750. Webster University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $30,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,876. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Webster University profile
Assumption College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Assumption College is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $51,356. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,895. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Assumption College admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about Assumption College
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Graduates carry a median of $22,347 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,198. Set against $22,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #46 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school based in Arlington, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,267. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,199. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Arlington admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Graduates carry a median of $25,368 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,631. Set against $25,368 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of Michigan Dearborn ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,640, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $27,200. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,649 ten years after entry. Set against $27,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Dearborn has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full University Of Michigan Dearborn profile
Southern Utah University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cedar City, UT, Southern Utah University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,962, compared with $21,192 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,900 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Southern Utah University alumni report median earnings of $50,296 a decade after entry. Set against $13,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Utah University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Southern Utah University
University Of Maryland Baltimore County landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. Students borrow a median of $24,389 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,960 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,389 median debt. University Of Maryland Baltimore County admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County report
Academy Of Art University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in San Francisco, CA, Academy Of Art University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,736 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,008. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Academy Of Art University
Metropolitan State College Of Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. This public school is set in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,124, with out-of-state students paying around $30,684. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $29,038. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,093 ten years after entry. Set against $29,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver report
Related Communication Journalism Media Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Schools (All Levels)
- 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. 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 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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