2026 Best Value Communication Journalism Media Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Journalism Media doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1525 institutions 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 analyzed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found North Dakota State University Main Campus to be the best-value Communication Journalism Media school in the United States. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Liberty University landed the #2 spot. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Liberty University report
A rank of #3 makes Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $28,350 in debt. Median earnings reach $102,772 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,350 median debt. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus admits about 14% of applicants. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #4 on this year's best-value Communication Journalism Media ranking in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $22,567 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $22,567 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $21,176. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. 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 Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Cornell University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $14,418 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,418 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cornell University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $20,499 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,499 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,971 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,971 median debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $18,040 in debt. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,040 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Texas Tech University placed #12 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $22,354 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University
Ohio University Main Campus placed #13 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,273. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. Set against $24,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of North Dakota placed #14 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $24,000. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
University Of Georgia landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,731. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $22,731 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Georgia profile
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $13,018. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $13,018 median debt. University Of California Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 33%. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #18 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,017. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $15,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $15,637. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Arizona State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Set against $21,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $22,677. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,054 ten years after entry. Set against $22,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of California Davis ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Davis, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,804, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Davis profile
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $22,673 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $22,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Graduates carry a median of $26,246 in student loans. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. Set against $26,246 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Journalism Media Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $17,481. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,481 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Utah came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $18,017. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $18,017 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Utah
University Of Iowa came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $25,884 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $25,884 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of Missouri Columbia offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Students borrow a median of $20,974 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $20,974 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $22,450 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. More on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $14,338 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $14,338 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of Colorado Boulder landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $18,296. University Of Colorado Boulder alumni report median earnings of $69,738 a decade after entry. Set against $18,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Colorado Boulder
Florida State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Florida State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $14,171 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $14,171 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on Florida State University
University Of California San Diego came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Graduates carry a median of $14,568 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about University Of California San Diego
Temple University placed #34 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,908. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Temple University report
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report
Washington State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $21,059. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. 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 Memphis ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,355. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $25,355 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. More on University Of Memphis
University Of Florida placed #38 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $17,358 in debt. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,358 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis placed #40 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,347. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,198. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $23,028. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,028 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Students borrow a median of $24,430 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $24,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan State University report
The University Of Tennessee offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, compared with $33,256 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $21,716. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $21,716 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants. More on The University Of Tennessee
University Of Arizona landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,330 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,330 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, with out-of-state students paying around $28,631. Students borrow a median of $22,875 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $61,251 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
University At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. Graduates carry a median of $22,251 in student loans. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full University At Buffalo profile
The University Of Alabama landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. Students borrow a median of $24,992 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,221. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Alabama admits about 77% of applicants. See the full The University Of Alabama profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #48 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $20,376. Median earnings reach $83,648 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,376 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
New York University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $21,500. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Get the full New York University report
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $24,265. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,265 median debt. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants. More on West Virginia University
Related Communication Journalism Media Value Rankings
Explore 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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).