2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Sciences programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 410 schools 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Communication Sciences Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is La Salle University, our #1 best-value Communication Sciences school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,462. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,550 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Out of the 410 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #4 spot. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Communication Sciences students take on a median of $11,974 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $11,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Out of the 410 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Mississippi University For Women landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Columbus, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $8,492. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $24,509. Mississippi University For Women alumni report median earnings of $46,128 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mississippi University For Women
Worcester State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Worcester State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,910 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Set against $21,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Worcester State University
Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Provo, UT, Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions is a private for-profit institution. Read the full report on Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,776 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,247. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,206 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
Harding University placed #9 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,962. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $23,920. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,876. That is a strong return on a $23,920 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Harding University
Universidad Del Turabo placed #10 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gurabo, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $11,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,223. Set against $11,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo
Calvin College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Calvin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,350. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Calvin College alumni report median earnings of $58,375 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Calvin College has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Calvin College
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $27,307. Median earnings reach $54,122 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College
Biola University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Biola University is a private not-for-profit school based in La Mirada, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $48,984. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,778 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Biola University
Truman State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $19,875. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Truman State University
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,420. Graduates carry a median of $24,187 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. See the full Marywood University profile
Minot State University placed #16 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Minot State University is a public school based in Minot, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $8,702. Minot State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,788 in debt. Minot State University alumni report median earnings of $51,759 a decade after entry. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Get the full Minot State University report
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,333 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
University Of Mary ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit school based in Bismarck, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,356. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $26,983. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,909. That is a strong return on a $26,983 median debt. University Of Mary admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about University Of Mary
Concordia University Wisconsin came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $27,172. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,075 ten years after entry. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
Montclair State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,286. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Montclair State University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #21 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Illinois State University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,500. 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
Arkansas State University Main Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Arkansas State University Main Campus Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Northeastern State University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Northeastern State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $14,650 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northeastern State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Sciences Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,214, while out-of-state students pay about $22,514. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,348 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. See the full Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center profile
Nevada State College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Nevada State College is a public school based in Henderson, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,765, compared with $21,833 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,909. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,166. That is a strong return on a $25,909 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Nevada State College profile
University Of Central Arkansas placed #29 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $15,000. 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
University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Marcos, CA, University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences is a private for-profit institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,150 ten years after entry. More on University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences
California Baptist University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,228. Students borrow a median of $26,375 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. Set against $26,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full California Baptist University profile
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Fort Hays State University
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,086 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,714. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $23,106. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,827. That is a strong return on a $23,106 median debt. See the full University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences profile
University Of South Dakota came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. 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. Read more about University Of South Dakota
California State University San Marcos placed #36 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in San Marcos, CA, California State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,082, while out-of-state students pay about $20,682. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $15,998. California State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $62,908 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
Texas A And M University Kingsville came in at #36 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, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Kingsville Communication Sciences students take on a median of $24,118 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,450 ten years out. Set against $24,118 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
Saint Cloud State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $17,637. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Set against $17,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,125, while out-of-state students pay about $16,866. Louisiana Tech University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $19,790 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University
Loyola University Baltimore ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Baltimore, MD, Loyola University Baltimore is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $57,150. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,652. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Baltimore admits about 76% of applicants. More on Loyola University Baltimore
California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. California State University East Bay Communication Sciences students take on a median of $18,261 in debt. California State University East Bay alumni report median earnings of $71,401 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,261 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University East Bay
California State University Fresno placed #42 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Graduates carry a median of $17,336 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,244. That is a strong return on a $17,336 median debt. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
Rockhurst University placed #43 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kansas City, MO. Students from in state pay about $44,966 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,102. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rockhurst University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read more about Rockhurst University
University Of North Texas placed #44 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Saint Ambrose University placed #44 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Davenport, IA, Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,658. Saint Ambrose University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $27,528 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,531. That is a strong return on a $27,528 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on Saint Ambrose University
Salus University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Elkins Park, PA, Salus University is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Salus University
California State University Fullerton placed #47 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,951. 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
California State University Northridge came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $15,356. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Northridge profile
Maryville University Of Saint Louis placed #49 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,166 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,105 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Maryville University Of Saint Louis report
University Of Redlands came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Redlands, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $60,878. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,000. University Of Redlands alumni report median earnings of $72,690 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Redlands has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on University Of Redlands
Best Value Communication Sciences Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Communication Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences 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 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.