2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Sciences bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 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 reviewed 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 Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Communication Sciences students take on a median of $11,974 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #2 on this year's best-value Communication Sciences ranking in the United States. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public school based in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $38,550 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Minot State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Communication Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Graduates carry a median of $25,788 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. More on Minot State University
Mississippi University For Women came in at #4 on this year's best-value Communication Sciences ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Columbus, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,492. Students borrow a median of $24,509 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Set against $24,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi University For Women admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Mississippi University For Women profile
You'll get strong value at Delta State University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,605. Graduates carry a median of $23,432 in student loans. Delta State University alumni report median earnings of $41,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,432 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on Delta State University
Western Carolina University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,287 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,287 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Carolina University report
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce Communication Sciences students take on a median of $7,869 in debt. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce alumni report median earnings of $26,721 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce has an acceptance rate of 34%. More on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $19,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Universidad Del Turabo placed #10 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit school based in Gurabo, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,750. Students borrow a median of $11,125 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Universidad Del Turabo alumni report median earnings of $26,223 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Universidad Del Turabo report
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $20,536 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $20,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Nevada State College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Nevada State College is a public school based in Henderson, NV. Students from in state pay about $6,765 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,833. Students borrow a median of $25,909 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,166. Set against $25,909 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nevada State College admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Nevada State College profile
University Of North Dakota placed #13 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, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Dakota
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. University Of South Dakota Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
West Texas A And M University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. West Texas A And M University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,333 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about West Texas A And M University
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $23,992. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $23,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Central Michigan University
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center placed #18 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,214, while out-of-state students pay about $22,514. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,348. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center report
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Truman State University placed #20 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $19,875. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,875 median debt. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Truman State University
California State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. California State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,682. California State University San Marcos Communication Sciences students take on a median of $15,998 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,908. That is a strong return on a $15,998 median debt. California State University San Marcos admits about 95% of applicants. More on California State University San Marcos
San Jose State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about San Jose State University
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public school based in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Graduates carry a median of $21,164 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. Set against $21,164 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on University Of Minnesota Duluth
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #26 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,608 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,608 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
University Of Florida Online came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of Florida Online is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,876, while out-of-state students pay about $16,579. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida Online admits about 61% of applicants. See the full University Of Florida Online profile
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #28 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
California State University Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,164 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,764. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,211. That is a strong return on a $12,500 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Los Angeles
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #31 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,750. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #32 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Cuny Lehman College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bronx, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,410, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. Cuny Lehman College Communication Sciences students take on a median of $11,544 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,013 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Lehman College admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Cuny Lehman College profile
Western Illinois University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,375. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Set against $20,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Stephen F Austin State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Stephen F Austin State University admits about 94% of applicants. See the full Stephen F Austin State University profile
Utah State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $17,479. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,022. That is a strong return on a $17,479 median debt. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants. More on Utah State University
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,208. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Eastern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,989 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Eastern Illinois University report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $26,211. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $18,261. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,401 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,261 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about California State University East Bay
California State University Sacramento landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Sacramento, CA, California State University Sacramento is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. California State University Sacramento Communication Sciences students take on a median of $17,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
California State University Fresno ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $17,336. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,244 ten years after entry. Set against $17,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full California State University Fresno profile
University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #43 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Graduates carry a median of $21,970 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,105 ten years after entry. Set against $21,970 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
San Francisco State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Graduates carry a median of $19,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full San Francisco State University profile
University Of Wyoming landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Communication Sciences students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. University Of Wyoming alumni report median earnings of $56,880 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. See the full San Diego State University profile
Harding University placed #47 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $23,920. Harding University alumni report median earnings of $52,876 a decade after entry. Set against $23,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Harding University report
California State University Long Beach placed #48 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $12,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Students borrow a median of $19,790 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,790 median debt. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Louisiana Tech University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $22,225. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Related Communication Sciences Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Communication Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences 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 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).
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