2026 Best Value Communication Journalism Media Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

#2

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN

A rank of #2 makes Metropolitan State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Students borrow a median of $34,933 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Metropolitan State University profile

#3

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $24,120. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $24,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong

#4

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Liberty University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Liberty University

#5

University Of Maryland University College

Adelphi, MD

Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Maryland University College landed the #5 spot. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $27,971. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. That is a strong return on a $27,971 median debt. Read more about University Of Maryland University College

#6

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Set against $22,567 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#7

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $27,175. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $27,175 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lindenwood University report

#8

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. University Of Dayton Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,375 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,537. That is a strong return on a $25,375 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Dayton

#9

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Set against $26,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report

#10

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

Villanova University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,456 in student loans. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,456 median debt. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. See the full Villanova University profile

#13

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $23,524 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $23,524 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile

#14

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

Webster University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Webster University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Webster University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $30,500 in debt. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Webster University

#15

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,354 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,354 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University

#16

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,499 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $20,499 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

#17

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Students borrow a median of $23,623 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,988. That is a strong return on a $23,623 median debt. Rowan University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Rowan University report

#18

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,673. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,673 median debt. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Kansas

#19

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX

Sam Houston State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University

#20

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus

#21

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Set against $20,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia

#22

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,017 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $22,017 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report

#23

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC

Appalachian State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Graduates carry a median of $21,455 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,836 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,455 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Appalachian State University report

#24

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC

East Carolina University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on East Carolina University

#25

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,000. Students borrow a median of $25,178 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,889 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,178 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Western Kentucky University

#26

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $19,819. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $19,819 median debt. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas

#27

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #27 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 run about $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $25,908 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,908 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about Temple University

#28

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $20,926. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,390. Set against $20,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Towson University report

#29

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,808, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. Kennesaw State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,081 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,081 median debt. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kennesaw State University report

#30

Texas State University San Marcos

San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos placed #30 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,742 in student loans. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,742 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile

#31

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

Washington State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,059 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University

#32

Colorado State University Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University Fort Collins offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Colorado State University Fort Collins Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $23,028 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. Set against $23,028 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Colorado State University Fort Collins report

#33

Lynn University

Boca Raton, FL

Lynn University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Lynn University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,480. Students borrow a median of $20,220 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,006 ten years after entry. Set against $20,220 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lynn University report

#34

University Of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

University Of San Francisco placed #34 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,812 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full University Of San Francisco profile

#35

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Stony Brook University is a public school based in Stony Brook, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,931, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $74,502 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Stony Brook University profile

#36

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $18,017 in student loans. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. Set against $18,017 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Utah report

#36

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $23,862 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $23,862 median debt. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. See the full George Washington University profile

#38

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL

Eastern Illinois University placed #38 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,008 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. That is a strong return on a $24,008 median debt. Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full Eastern Illinois University profile

#39

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $22,324 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. That is a strong return on a $22,324 median debt. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

#40

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $24,430. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Set against $24,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Michigan State University

#41

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,358 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on University Of Florida

#42

Miami University Oxford

Oxford, OH

Miami University Oxford came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,519, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,181 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Miami University Oxford

#43

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $25,884 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $25,884 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full University Of Iowa report

#44

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $24,119. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. Set against $24,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Ball State University

#45

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located 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. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Set against $22,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report

#46

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $19,663. Southern Methodist University alumni report median earnings of $78,354 a decade after entry. Set against $19,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Methodist University

#47

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $22,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,251. Set against $22,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

#48

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Florida Atlantic University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $19,137 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,746. Set against $19,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about Florida Atlantic University

#49

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University placed #49 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Graduates carry a median of $20,744 in student loans. Northern Arizona University alumni report median earnings of $54,384 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Northern Arizona University

#50

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $20,330 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $20,330 median debt. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona

#51

University Of Alabama At Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public school based in Birmingham, AL. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham

#52

University Of South Carolina Columbia

Columbia, SC

University Of South Carolina Columbia came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,688, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $24,665. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,177 ten years after entry. Set against $24,665 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia

#53

University Of Rhode Island

Kingston, RI

University Of Rhode Island placed #53 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,942, while out-of-state students pay about $37,146. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $24,189. University Of Rhode Island alumni report median earnings of $69,743 a decade after entry. Set against $24,189 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Rhode Island has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of Rhode Island