2026 Best Value Communication Journalism Media Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Journalism Media master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1525 schools 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 analyzed schools to compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. La Salle University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,924 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $26,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on La Salle University
A rank of #2 makes Columbia College Chicago one of the best values in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $25,971. Columbia College Chicago alumni report median earnings of $42,195 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Columbia College Chicago
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #3 on this year's best-value Communication Journalism Media ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $13,667 in debt. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
A rank of #4 makes Drake University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read more about Drake University
Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ashland University landed the #5 spot. Located in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,264. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,264 median debt. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Ashland University
Spring Arbor University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,014 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $28,268. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,732. Set against $28,268 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. More on Spring Arbor University
University Of Dubuque landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,095. Graduates carry a median of $27,204 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,190. Set against $27,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Dubuque admits about 89% of applicants. See the full University Of Dubuque profile
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,600. Concordia University Saint Paul Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Gonzaga University placed #10 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,038. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,892. Set against $26,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gonzaga University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Gonzaga University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Fitchburg State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $25,000. Fitchburg State University alumni report median earnings of $53,874 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Fitchburg State University
Bellevue University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. Graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bellevue University report
West Texas A And M University ranked #14 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $21,165. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
Saint Bonaventure University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Bonaventure, NY, Saint Bonaventure University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,735. Students borrow a median of $26,845 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,214 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,845 median debt. Saint Bonaventure University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Saint Bonaventure University report
Youngstown State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,250 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. 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. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Youngstown State University
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. 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. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,120 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Illinois State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,559. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois State University profile
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Northern Illinois University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,058 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $26,058 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
University Of South Dakota came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $26,000. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Asbury University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Wilmore, KY, Asbury University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,640. Students borrow a median of $24,289 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Asbury University alumni report median earnings of $42,368 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Asbury University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Get the full Asbury University report
University Of Sacred Heart landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit school based in Santurce, PR. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $12,594. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,754. That is a strong return on a $12,594 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read the full report on University Of Sacred Heart
University Of Delaware landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Bellarmine University placed #24 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Bellarmine University is a private not-for-profit school based in Louisville, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,770. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $25,853. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,069. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Bellarmine University
South Dakota State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. South Dakota State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,825 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full South Dakota State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Journalism Media Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Dayton came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $25,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,537 ten years after entry. Set against $25,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Dayton has an acceptance rate of 65%. Get the full University Of Dayton report
Biola University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,984. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,733. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,778. Set against $22,733 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on Biola University
Saint Cloud State University placed #28 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on Saint Cloud State University
Fairfield University placed #29 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fairfield, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $58,400. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $88,794 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. More on Fairfield University
Valparaiso University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit school based in Valparaiso, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,450. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $63,191 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valparaiso University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Valparaiso University
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $23,465. Northeastern State University alumni report median earnings of $45,379 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northeastern State University
John Carroll University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in University Heights, OH, John Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,500. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on John Carroll University
Grand Canyon University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $25,322 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. Set against $25,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
Westminster College Utah came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Westminster College Utah is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,528 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,454 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,215. That is a strong return on a $24,454 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Westminster College Utah
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $21,759. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $21,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Marist College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Marist College is a private not-for-profit school based in Poughkeepsie, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,620. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $77,819 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Marist College has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full Marist College profile
Villanova University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Villanova University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,456 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. More on Villanova University
Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Students borrow a median of $27,175 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $27,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lindenwood University
Montclair State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $21,348. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,348 median debt. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Montclair State University
Liberty University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Liberty University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $23,210. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham placed #42 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Madison, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,468. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $57,273 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham
Lasell College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Newton, MA, Lasell College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,040. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $27,000. Lasell College alumni report median earnings of $49,705 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Lasell College
Purdue University Northwest ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $28,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Purdue University Northwest
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $28,350 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. Set against $28,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $22,567. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Mississippi College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,500. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read more about Mississippi College
Queens University Of Charlotte placed #46 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Queens University Of Charlotte is a private not-for-profit school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,846. Queens University Of Charlotte Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Queens University Of Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,673 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Queens University Of Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 62%. Read more about Queens University Of Charlotte
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #49 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Loyola University Baltimore offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $57,150 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Loyola University Baltimore alumni report median earnings of $82,652 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola University Baltimore has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Loyola University Baltimore report
Related Communication Journalism Media Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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