2026 Best Value Communication Journalism Media Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Journalism Media master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1525 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, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Journalism Media Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. Students borrow a median of $26,924 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $26,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. See the full La Salle University profile
You'll get strong value at Columbia College Chicago, which ranked #2 this year. Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $34,088 in tuition and fees. Columbia College Chicago Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,971 in debt. Columbia College Chicago alumni report median earnings of $42,195 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile
A rank of #3 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $13,667. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Drake University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Communication Journalism Media ranking in the United States. Set in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. More on Drake University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ashland University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Ashland, OH, Ashland University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set against $24,264 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ashland University
Spring Arbor University placed #6 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,014 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,268 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,732. That is a strong return on a $28,268 median debt. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read more about Spring Arbor University
University Of Dubuque offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. Students from in state pay about $42,095 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,204 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,190. That is a strong return on a $27,204 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on University Of Dubuque
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $29,026. Concordia University Saint Paul alumni report median earnings of $59,871 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Gonzaga University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,038. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,892. Set against $26,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Gonzaga University
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #11 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Fitchburg State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fitchburg State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,874 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Bellevue University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $27,852. Median earnings reach $61,289 ten years out. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Bellevue University report
West Texas A And M University placed #14 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $21,165. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. That is a strong return on a $21,165 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Saint Bonaventure University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Saint Bonaventure, NY, Saint Bonaventure University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,735. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,845. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,214 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Bonaventure University
Youngstown State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Youngstown State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $26,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, 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. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #17 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 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. Set against $24,120 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Illinois State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,559 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $22,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Illinois State University report
Northern Illinois University placed #19 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $26,058. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,058 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Northern Illinois University
University Of South Dakota placed #20 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Asbury University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Wilmore, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,640. Graduates carry a median of $24,289 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,368 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,289 median debt. Asbury University admits about 63% of applicants. Get the full Asbury University report
University Of Sacred Heart ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located 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. Students borrow a median of $12,594 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,754. That is a strong return on a $12,594 median debt. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Sacred Heart
University Of Delaware landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Bellarmine University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,770 in tuition and fees. Bellarmine University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,853 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,069 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,853 median debt. Bellarmine University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Bellarmine University report
South Dakota State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, 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. Set against $26,825 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University admits about 98% of applicants. See the full South Dakota State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Journalism Media Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Dayton landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,140. 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. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Dayton report
Biola University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Biola University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Mirada, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,984. Graduates carry a median of $22,733 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,778 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Biola University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full Biola University report
Saint Cloud State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Fairfield University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Fairfield University has an acceptance rate of 33%. See the full Fairfield University profile
Valparaiso University placed #30 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Valparaiso University is a private not-for-profit school based in Valparaiso, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,450. Valparaiso University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Valparaiso University alumni report median earnings of $63,191 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Valparaiso University report
Northeastern State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $23,465. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,379. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about Northeastern State University
John Carroll University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in University Heights, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,500. John Carroll University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,860 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. John Carroll University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read more about John Carroll University
Grand Canyon University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,322. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Set against $25,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Westminster College Utah ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Westminster College Utah is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,528. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $24,454. Median earnings reach $66,215 ten years out. Set against $24,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Westminster College Utah report
Marist College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $77,819. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marist College has an acceptance rate of 56%. Get the full Marist College report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $21,759 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Villanova University placed #37 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Graduates carry a median of $26,456 in student loans. 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. See the full Villanova University profile
Lindenwood University placed #38 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $27,175. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. Set against $27,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lindenwood University
Montclair State University placed #39 among the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $21,348 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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%. See the full Montclair State University profile
Liberty University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Liberty University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $23,210. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,468. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham alumni report median earnings of $57,273 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Atlanta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, compared with $34,484 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,350 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,772. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 14%. Get the full Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus report
Lasell College landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Newton, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $27,040. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,705 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read more about Lasell College
Purdue University Northwest came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hammond, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,357 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,504. Purdue University Northwest Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,567. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,567 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Queens University Of Charlotte came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlotte, NC, Queens University Of Charlotte is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,846. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,673. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Queens University Of Charlotte profile
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Clinton, MS. Students from in state pay about $23,500 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. Mississippi College admits about 29% of applicants. More on Mississippi College
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Loyola University Baltimore landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, Loyola University Baltimore is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $57,150 in tuition and fees. Loyola University Baltimore Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,652. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Loyola University Baltimore report
Related Communication Journalism Media Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Communication Journalism Media Graduate Certificate 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. Rankings consider 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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