2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Sciences doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions to be the best-value Communication Sciences school 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
A rank of #2 makes Montclair State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,286. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,415 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Montclair State University
A rank of #3 makes Northern Illinois University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,500. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Missouri State University Springfield earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. 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
Illinois State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Communication Sciences ranking in the United States. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Illinois State University
Salus University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Elkins Park, PA. Get the full Salus University report
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. University Of Southern Mississippi Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,608 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. Set against $21,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences placed #8 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,086, compared with $14,714 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Communication Sciences students take on a median of $23,106 in debt. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences alumni report median earnings of $73,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $10,214, with out-of-state students paying around $22,514. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,348 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Read more about Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Louisiana Tech University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Louisiana Tech University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $19,790 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,790 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University
University Of South Dakota ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of South Dakota
A T Still University Of Health Sciences placed #12 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kirksville, MO. Get the full A T Still University Of Health Sciences report
University Of North Texas ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. University Of North Texas Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of North Texas profile
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on University Of Akron Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
San Diego State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%. Read more about San Diego State University
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in New Orleans, LA, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,356, compared with $18,851 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,146 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $78,495 ten years out. Set against $31,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans profile
Lamar University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Beaumont, TX, Lamar University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,652. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Lamar University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #19 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Central Michigan University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $23,992. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Set against $23,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Towson University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Students borrow a median of $21,981 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years out. Set against $21,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Towson University
Kent State University At Kent came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kent, OH. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Kent State University At Kent Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,388 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants. More on Kent State University At Kent
Kean University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Union, NJ, Kean University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $26,703. Median earnings reach $57,237 ten years out. Set against $26,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kean University
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
Ohio University Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $24,625 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $26,315. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,315 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Memphis
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $18,876 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. 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
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $25,952 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $25,952 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Wichita State University placed #29 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Graduates carry a median of $21,750 in student loans. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wichita State University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Communication Sciences students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,945. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $6,025. Median earnings reach $45,953 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,025 median debt. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences
Western Washington University placed #31 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Western Washington University alumni report median earnings of $62,569 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Western Washington University report
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #33 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Greensboro, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. Students borrow a median of $22,699 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Arizona State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,536 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $20,536 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,738 ten years out. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,208 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $22,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #38 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Gallaudet University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Washington, DC, Gallaudet University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,654. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $24,123. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,101 ten years after entry. Set against $24,123 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gallaudet University admits about 58% of applicants. Read the full report on Gallaudet University
University Of Georgia came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. University Of Georgia Communication Sciences students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Texas Christian University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Students borrow a median of $22,960 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Christian University has an acceptance rate of 44%. More on Texas Christian University
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $17,479 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Utah State University report
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Nova Southeastern University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Lauderdale, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,700. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,021. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,209. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Nova Southeastern University report
University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Oklahoma City, OK, University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,925 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,714. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center report
Indiana University Bloomington offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Students borrow a median of $19,875 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Set against $19,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Memphis, TN, The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,911, compared with $25,644 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,318 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center
University Of South Alabama placed #48 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mobile, AL. Students from in state pay about $10,116 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,092. Graduates carry a median of $22,989 in student loans. University Of South Alabama alumni report median earnings of $49,379 a decade after entry. Set against $22,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Alabama admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Alabama
University Of Kansas landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $23,781. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $23,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Ball State University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,833 ten years after entry. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Ball State University
James Madison University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Students borrow a median of $19,975 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $69,954 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants. See the full James Madison University profile
Related Communication Sciences Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Master’s 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).
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