2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Sciences master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 410 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 evaluated schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Communication Sciences master's degree schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,462. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,462 median debt. La Salle University has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on La Salle University
You'll get strong value at Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Portales, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,074, compared with $9,054 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $38,550 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #4 on this year's best-value Communication Sciences ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at Mississippi University For Women, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,492. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $24,509. Median earnings reach $46,128 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi University For Women has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Mississippi University For Women profile
Worcester State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, while out-of-state students pay about $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $21,910 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Worcester State University
Harding University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Graduates carry a median of $23,920 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,876 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,920 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read more about Harding University
Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This private for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Read more about Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio placed #9 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $27,776. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,247 in debt. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $82,206 a decade after entry. Set against $20,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
Universidad Del Turabo landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Graduates carry a median of $11,125 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Universidad Del Turabo report
Calvin College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,350. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,375 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on Calvin College
Baldwin Wallace College placed #12 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,832. Graduates carry a median of $27,307 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,122 ten years after entry. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,187 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,187 median debt. Marywood University admits about 61% of applicants. More on Marywood University
Biola University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Mirada, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,984. Biola University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Biola University alumni report median earnings of $56,778 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. See the full Biola University profile
Truman State University placed #15 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Graduates carry a median of $19,875 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,875 median debt. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Truman State University
Minot State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Minot, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,702. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,788. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minot State University admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about Minot State University
West Texas A And M University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. 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. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,333 median debt. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. More on West Texas A And M University
University Of Mary offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bismarck, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,356. Students borrow a median of $26,983 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,909. Set against $26,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full University Of Mary report
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,470. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $27,172. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Wisconsin has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Concordia University Wisconsin profile
Montclair State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,286 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Illinois State University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Normal, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Northern Illinois University placed #24 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Northern Illinois University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Northeastern State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,810, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,650 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. 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. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants. Read more about Northeastern State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Sciences Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,214, compared with $22,514 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $21,500. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center alumni report median earnings of $92,348 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Read more about Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Nevada State College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Henderson, NV. Students from in state pay about $6,765 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,833. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,909. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,166 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Nevada State College profile
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Central Arkansas
California Baptist University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,228 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,375 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California Baptist University
University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences placed #30 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,150. See the full University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences profile
University Of South Dakota placed #32 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $24,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Hays State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Students borrow a median of $24,118 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Texas A And M University Kingsville alumni report median earnings of $51,450 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences is a public school based in Little Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,086, with out-of-state students paying around $14,714. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Communication Sciences students take on a median of $23,106 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,106 median debt. Get the full University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences report
Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,125 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $19,790. Louisiana Tech University alumni report median earnings of $52,279 a decade after entry. Set against $19,790 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
Saint Cloud State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $17,637 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,637 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Missouri State University Springfield placed #38 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Loyola University Baltimore ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Loyola University Baltimore is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $57,150 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,652 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Loyola University Baltimore report
California State University East Bay placed #40 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. California State University East Bay is a public school based in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,261 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,401. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University East Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $17,336. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,336 median debt. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full California State University Fresno report
California State University San Marcos came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,908 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,998 median debt. California State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
University Of North Texas landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of North Texas
San Diego State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Diego State University profile
Rockhurst University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. Students from in state pay about $44,966 in tuition and fees. Rockhurst University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,102. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rockhurst University admits about 70% of applicants. More on Rockhurst University
Saint Ambrose University placed #46 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Davenport, IA, Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,658 in tuition and fees. Saint Ambrose University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $27,528 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,531 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,528 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Saint Ambrose University report
California State University Fullerton landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. California State University Fullerton alumni report median earnings of $62,951 a decade after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about California State University Fullerton
University Of Akron Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. University Of Akron Main Campus Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
Maryville University Of Saint Louis came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,166. Maryville University Of Saint Louis Communication Sciences students take on a median of $24,499 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,105. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Maryville University Of Saint Louis admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full Maryville University Of Saint Louis report
University Of Redlands came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,878. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $72,690 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. Read the full report on University Of Redlands
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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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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