2026 Best Value Communication Journalism Media Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Journalism Media graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1525 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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, Grad Degree analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Communication Journalism Media Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan State University landed the #2 spot. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Metropolitan State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $34,933 in debt. 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. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Metropolitan State University
Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #3 spot. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $24,120 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $24,120 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
You'll get strong value at Liberty University, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Liberty University
Out of the 1525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Maryland University College landed the #5 spot. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $27,971. 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. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #6 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $22,567. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,567 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lindenwood University placed #7 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,175 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, 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. See the full Lindenwood University profile
University Of Dayton offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Based 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. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,375. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Dayton profile
Youngstown State University placed #9 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Villanova University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,456. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full Villanova University report
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. 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. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $23,524. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $23,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Webster University placed #14 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,750. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $30,500. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Webster University
Texas Tech University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $22,354 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $20,499 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rowan University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Glassboro, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,574, with out-of-state students paying around $26,932. Rowan University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $23,623 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Set against $23,623 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Rowan University
University Of Kansas placed #18 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,673. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $22,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Sam Houston State University placed #19 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $18,500 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $20,974. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,974 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,017. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile
Appalachian State University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,579, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. Appalachian State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $21,455 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,836. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Appalachian State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Appalachian State University
East Carolina University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,146. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on East Carolina University
Western Kentucky University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bowling Green, KY. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,178. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,889. Set against $25,178 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Western Kentucky University
University Of North Texas landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $19,819 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
Temple University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $25,908 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. Set against $25,908 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Temple University report
Towson University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $20,926. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,390. Set against $20,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Towson University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Journalism Media Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Kennesaw State University placed #29 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kennesaw, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,081. Median earnings reach $57,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kennesaw State University has an acceptance rate of 69%. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University
Texas State University San Marcos placed #30 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,742 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $21,742 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas State University San Marcos
Washington State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,059 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $21,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Washington State University report
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fort Collins, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, while out-of-state students pay about $35,061. Students borrow a median of $23,028 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,543. Set against $23,028 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
Lynn University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Lynn University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,480 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $20,220. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,006 ten years after entry. Set against $20,220 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lynn University
University Of San Francisco placed #34 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $60,522. University Of San Francisco Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $89,812 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. University Of San Francisco admits about 62% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of San Francisco
Stony Brook University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $74,502 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stony Brook University has an acceptance rate of 49%. More on Stony Brook University
University Of Utah came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. University Of Utah Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $18,017 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. 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 Utah report
George Washington University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Students borrow a median of $23,862 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Set against $23,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
Eastern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,008. Median earnings reach $51,989 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,008 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full Eastern Illinois University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,324. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $22,324 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Michigan State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $24,430 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $24,430 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Michigan State University profile
University Of Florida came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $17,358. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Miami University Oxford came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Miami University Oxford Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,181 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,076 ten years out. Set against $25,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Miami University Oxford has an acceptance rate of 75%. Get the full Miami University Oxford report
University Of Iowa ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,884. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,884 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Iowa
Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,119. Ball State University alumni report median earnings of $51,833 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Ball State University report
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $22,450 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Set against $22,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Southern Methodist University placed #46 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,040. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $19,663. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,354 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,663 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Baton Rouge, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,954, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $22,875 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,251. That is a strong return on a $22,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
Florida Atlantic University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,137 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. Set against $19,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about Florida Atlantic University
Northern Arizona University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Flagstaff, AZ. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Students borrow a median of $20,744 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Northern Arizona University alumni report median earnings of $54,384 a decade after entry. Set against $20,744 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
University Of Arizona placed #50 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $20,330. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $20,330 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
University Of Alabama At Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $54,501 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #52 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. Graduates carry a median of $24,665 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,177. That is a strong return on a $24,665 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia
University Of Rhode Island landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,942, compared with $37,146 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,189. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,743. Set against $24,189 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Rhode Island has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of Rhode Island
Related Communication Journalism Media Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (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 1525 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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