2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Sciences programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 410 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Sciences Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,462. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full La Salle University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lake Region State College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Devils Lake, ND, Lake Region State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,520. Graduates carry a median of $15,784 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,502 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lake Region State College
A rank of #3 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $11,974. 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. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Granite State College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Communication Sciences ranking in the United States. Set in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,724, compared with $9,284 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,522 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Granite State College alumni report median earnings of $66,479 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,522 median debt. Read more about Granite State College
A rank of #5 makes San Joaquin Delta College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Stockton, CA, San Joaquin Delta College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $9,772. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $6,382. San Joaquin Delta College alumni report median earnings of $43,212 a decade after entry. Set against $6,382 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on San Joaquin Delta College
Copiah Lincoln Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Wesson, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,200, compared with $5,200 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,241. Get the full Copiah Lincoln Community College report
Pasadena City College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pasadena, CA, Pasadena City College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,924. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $9,191. Median earnings reach $43,937 ten years out. Set against $9,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Pasadena City College
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $38,550 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Santa Ana College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Santa Ana College is a public school based in Santa Ana, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, compared with $10,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,196 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Santa Ana College alumni report median earnings of $43,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Santa Ana College
American River College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. American River College is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,288, compared with $12,616 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $14,105. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,162 ten years after entry. Set against $14,105 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American River College
Orange Coast College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Costa Mesa, CA, Orange Coast College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,392 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,640 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $8,978. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,348. That is a strong return on a $8,978 median debt. Get the full Orange Coast College report
Mississippi University For Women came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,492. Graduates carry a median of $24,509 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,128 ten years out. Set against $24,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Mississippi University For Women
Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions placed #13 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions is a private for-profit institution. See the full Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions profile
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $27,776. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,247. Median earnings reach $82,206 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,247 median debt. Read more about The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
Minot State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,788. Minot State University alumni report median earnings of $51,759 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full Minot State University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,000. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Delta State University placed #18 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Delta State University is a public school based in Cleveland, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. Graduates carry a median of $23,432 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,991 ten years after entry. Set against $23,432 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about Delta State University
Cerritos College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Norwalk, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,364, with out-of-state students paying around $12,004. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $11,306. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cerritos College
East Mississippi Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. East Mississippi Community College is a public school based in Scooba, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,095, with out-of-state students paying around $7,445. Graduates carry a median of $9,422 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on East Mississippi Community College
Universidad Del Turabo came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $11,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,223. That is a strong return on a $11,125 median debt. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mercedita, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,780. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce Communication Sciences students take on a median of $7,869 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,721 ten years after entry. Set against $7,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce admits about 34% of applicants. Read more about Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
West Texas A And M University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,333. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,536. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Sciences Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Worcester State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Worcester State University is a public school based in Worcester, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. That is a strong return on a $21,910 median debt. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Worcester State University
Baldwin Wallace College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,832. Baldwin Wallace College Communication Sciences students take on a median of $27,307 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baldwin Wallace College has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Baldwin Wallace College
Nevada State College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Henderson, NV, Nevada State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,765, with out-of-state students paying around $21,833. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,909. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,166. Set against $25,909 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Nevada State College
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,500. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Mary offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,356. Graduates carry a median of $26,983 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,909. Set against $26,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Mary
Harding University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $23,920. Median earnings reach $52,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read more about Harding University
Truman State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $19,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,280. Set against $19,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Truman State University
Western Carolina University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Western Carolina University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,287 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants. See the full Western Carolina University profile
University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences placed #35 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences is a private for-profit school based in San Marcos, CA. University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences alumni report median earnings of $79,150 a decade after entry. More on University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $20,500 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 South Dakota came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center placed #38 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $10,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,514. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,348 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center report
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences is a public school based in Little Rock, AR. Students from in state pay about $9,086 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,714. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $23,106. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,827. That is a strong return on a $23,106 median debt. Read more about University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
Northern Illinois University placed #40 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Calvin College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Calvin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,350. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $21,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,375. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Calvin College profile
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead
California State University San Marcos landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Marcos, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $15,998. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,908. That is a strong return on a $15,998 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University San Marcos profile
Northeastern State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $14,650. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants. More on Northeastern State University
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $27,172. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
University Of North Dakota placed #47 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,110. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,552 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
San Jose State University placed #48 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Saint Ambrose University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Davenport, IA, Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,658. Students borrow a median of $27,528 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,531 ten years after entry. Set against $27,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Ambrose University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Saint Ambrose University profile
Salus University placed #50 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Salus University is a private not-for-profit school based in Elkins Park, PA. Read more about Salus University
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Best Value Communication Sciences Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Communication Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 410 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.