2026 Best Value Communication Journalism Media Schools

#1

La Salle University

Philadelphia, PA

Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Communication Journalism Media school in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. Graduates carry a median of $26,924 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,924 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on La Salle University

#3

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL

Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Columbia College Chicago landed the #3 spot. Located in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,088. Columbia College Chicago Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,971 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,195 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile

#4

Brigham Young University Provo

Provo, UT

A rank of #4 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values 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. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $13,667. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $13,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile

#5

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, MN

Metropolitan State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Communication Journalism Media ranking in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $34,933. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Metropolitan State University

#6

Drake University

Des Moines, IA

Drake University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Drake University alumni report median earnings of $71,901 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Drake University

#7

Ashland University

Ashland, OH

Ashland University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ashland, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,210. Graduates carry a median of $24,264 in student loans. Ashland University alumni report median earnings of $52,928 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ashland University admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Ashland University

#8

Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, MI

Spring Arbor University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,014. Spring Arbor University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $28,268 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,732 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,268 median debt. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Spring Arbor University report

#9

University Of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA

University Of Dubuque offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Dubuque, IA, University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,095. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $27,204. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,190 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full University Of Dubuque profile

#10

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #10 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report

#11

Concordia University Saint Paul

Saint Paul, MN

Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,871 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul

#12

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spokane, WA. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Gonzaga University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,038 in debt. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. Set against $26,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Gonzaga University

#13

Minnesota State University Mankato

Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato

#14

University Of Maryland University College

Adelphi, MD

University Of Maryland University College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Graduates carry a median of $27,971 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. Set against $27,971 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Maryland University College

#15

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University placed #15 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Fitchburg State University is a public school based in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fitchburg State University profile

#16

Bellevue University

Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. Graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bellevue University profile

#17

West Texas A And M University

Canyon, TX

West Texas A And M University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $21,165. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $21,165 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on West Texas A And M University

#18

Saint Bonaventure University

Saint Bonaventure, NY

Saint Bonaventure University placed #18 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Saint Bonaventure, NY, Saint Bonaventure University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,735. Graduates carry a median of $26,845 in student loans. Saint Bonaventure University alumni report median earnings of $57,214 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Bonaventure University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Bonaventure University

#19

Arizona State University Skysong

Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona State University Skysong landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $24,120 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $24,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong

#20

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,250 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University

#21

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,559. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University

#22

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,058 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University

#23

University Of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

University Of South Dakota placed #23 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Dakota report

#24

University Of Dayton

Dayton, OH

University Of Dayton placed #24 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,375 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,537. That is a strong return on a $25,375 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Dayton profile

#24

Asbury University

Wilmore, KY

Asbury University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wilmore, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,640. Graduates carry a median of $24,289 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,368 ten years out. Set against $24,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Asbury University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Get the full Asbury University report

#26

University Of Sacred Heart

Santurce, PR

University Of Sacred Heart placed #26 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Santurce, PR, University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $12,594. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,754. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Sacred Heart admits about 58% of applicants. Read more about University Of Sacred Heart

#27

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware

#28

Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY

Bellarmine University placed #28 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. Students from in state pay about $48,770 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $25,853. Bellarmine University alumni report median earnings of $62,069 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bellarmine University profile

#29

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. South Dakota State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,825 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $26,825 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full South Dakota State University report

#30

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $22,567 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. 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. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#31

Biola University

La Mirada, CA

Biola University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,984. Graduates carry a median of $22,733 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Biola University

#32

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University

#33

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University placed #33 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,400. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Fairfield University alumni report median earnings of $88,794 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fairfield University

#34

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $27,175 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $27,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Read more about Lindenwood University

#35

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University placed #35 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Valparaiso, IN, Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,450 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valparaiso University admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Valparaiso University profile

#36

Northeastern State University

Tahlequah, OK

Northeastern State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Northeastern State University is a public school based in Tahlequah, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Students borrow a median of $23,465 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,379. That is a strong return on a $23,465 median debt. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. More on Northeastern State University

#37

Villanova University

Villanova, PA

Villanova University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Villanova University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,456 in debt. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,456 median debt. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full Villanova University report

#38

John Carroll University

University Heights, OH

John Carroll University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. John Carroll University is a private not-for-profit school based in University Heights, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,500. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $27,000. John Carroll University alumni report median earnings of $62,860 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. John Carroll University admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about John Carroll University

#39

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Grand Canyon University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,322. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,322 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University

#40

Westminster College Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

Westminster College Utah came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Westminster College Utah is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,528 in tuition and fees. Westminster College Utah Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $24,454 in debt. Westminster College Utah alumni report median earnings of $66,215 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Westminster College Utah

#40

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $21,759. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,759 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

#40

Marist College

Poughkeepsie, NY

Marist College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Poughkeepsie, NY, Marist College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,620. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,819 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marist College has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full Marist College profile

#43

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

Liberty University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on Liberty University

#44

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

Montclair State University placed #44 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Montclair State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $21,348 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Montclair State University

#45

University Of Nebraska At Omaha

Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #45 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $23,210. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $23,210 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha

#45

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $23,524 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,524 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report

#47

Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham

Madison, NJ

Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Madison, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,468. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham

#48

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

Atlanta, GA

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $28,350. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. That is a strong return on a $28,350 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus

#49

Purdue University Northwest

Hammond, IN

Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Hammond, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Purdue University Northwest Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,318 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. More on Purdue University Northwest

#49

Lasell College

Newton, MA

Lasell College placed #49 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Newton, MA, Lasell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,040. Lasell College Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,705. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lasell College admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about Lasell College

#51

Queens University Of Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

Queens University Of Charlotte placed #51 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Charlotte, NC, Queens University Of Charlotte is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,846. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $27,000. Queens University Of Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,673 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Queens University Of Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 62%. Get the full Queens University Of Charlotte report