2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Sciences doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 410 colleges 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 help you make your decision, 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 Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions to be the best-value Communication Sciences school in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions is a private for-profit institution. Get the full Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Montclair State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Montclair State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,286 in debt. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,286 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Montclair State University
Northern Illinois University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Communication Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Out of the 410 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Missouri State University Springfield landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Illinois State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Salus University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Elkins Park, PA, Salus University is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Salus University report
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,608 in debt. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,608 median debt. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Little Rock, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,086, with out-of-state students paying around $14,714. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $23,106. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Students from in state pay about $10,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,514. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center alumni report median earnings of $92,348 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Read the full report on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Louisiana Tech University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,125, compared with $16,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,790 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. Set against $19,790 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Louisiana Tech University profile
University Of South Dakota placed #11 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
A T Still University Of Health Sciences ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Kirksville, MO, A T Still University Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Read the full report on A T Still University Of Health Sciences
University Of North Texas placed #13 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. More on University Of North Texas
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
San Diego State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. San Diego State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Get the full San Diego State University report
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New Orleans, LA. Students from in state pay about $10,356 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,851 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,146 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans alumni report median earnings of $78,495 a decade after entry. Set against $31,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans profile
Lamar University placed #18 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Lamar University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,652 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Lamar University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Central Michigan University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $23,992 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Towson University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Towson, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $21,981. Towson University alumni report median earnings of $64,390 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Towson University
Kent State University At Kent came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Kent State University At Kent is a public school based in Kent, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,500. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Kent State University At Kent
Kean University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Kean University is a public school based in Union, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,703 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,237. That is a strong return on a $26,703 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Kean University
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Graduates carry a median of $20,750 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Ohio University Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $24,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. More on Ohio University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $26,315. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. More on University Of Memphis
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Communication Sciences students take on a median of $18,876 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $25,952 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $25,952 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Wichita State University placed #29 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Students borrow a median of $21,750 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Wichita State University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $18,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,945. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $6,025. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,953. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences profile
Western Washington University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This public school is set in Bellingham, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Western Washington University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,569 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about Western Washington University
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,699 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. That is a strong return on a $22,699 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Arizona State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,536. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of Colorado Boulder offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Students borrow a median of $19,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. University Of Colorado Boulder alumni report median earnings of $69,738 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder
University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $22,208. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Set against $22,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #38 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $15,117. Median earnings reach $72,200 ten years out. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $68,726 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Gallaudet University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,654. Students borrow a median of $24,123 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $43,101 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Gallaudet University report
Texas Christian University placed #41 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Graduates carry a median of $22,960 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,960 median debt. The acceptance rate is 44%. Read more about Texas Christian University
Utah State University placed #42 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $17,479. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,022 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,479 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Utah State University profile
Purdue University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Purdue University Main Campus Communication Sciences students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Nova Southeastern University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,700. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,021. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,209. That is a strong return on a $25,021 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Nova Southeastern University
University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Oklahoma City, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,925, with out-of-state students paying around $25,714. University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Memphis, TN, The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,911, with out-of-state students paying around $25,644. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,318. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. More on The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $19,875 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,875 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report
University Of South Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. University Of South Alabama is a public school based in Mobile, AL. Students from in state pay about $10,116 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,092. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $22,989. Median earnings reach $49,379 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,989 median debt. University Of South Alabama has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full University Of South Alabama profile
University Of Kansas came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. University Of Kansas Communication Sciences students take on a median of $23,781 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Ball State University placed #50 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Ball State University is a public school based in Muncie, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Ball State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,833. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ball State University report
James Madison University placed #51 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. James Madison University is a public school based in Harrisonburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $19,975. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,954. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. James Madison University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full James Madison University report
Related Communication Sciences Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Communication Sciences Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Communication Sciences Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 410 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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