2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Sciences master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 410 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Communication Sciences school in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. La Salle University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,462 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about 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, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,550. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. More on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Out of the 410 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #3 spot. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Communication Sciences students take on a median of $11,974 in debt. 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%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Mississippi University For Women came in at #5 on this year's best-value Communication Sciences ranking in the United States. Set in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,492. Graduates carry a median of $24,509 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,128. Set against $24,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mississippi University For Women admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Mississippi University For Women
Worcester State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Students borrow a median of $21,910 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,624 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Worcester State University
Harding University placed #7 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Searcy, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. Graduates carry a median of $23,920 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,876. Set against $23,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harding University has an acceptance rate of 70%. More on Harding University
Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions placed #8 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located 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 offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,991, compared with $27,776 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,247. Median earnings reach $82,206 ten years out. Set against $20,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
Universidad Del Turabo placed #10 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $11,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,125 median debt. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo
Calvin College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Calvin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Grand Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $39,350 in tuition and fees. Calvin College Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,375. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Calvin College has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Calvin College
Baldwin Wallace College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $27,307. Median earnings reach $54,122 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Baldwin Wallace College report
Marywood University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,420. Students borrow a median of $24,187 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,817 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,187 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Marywood University report
Biola University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in La Mirada, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,984. Biola University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,778 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on Biola University
Truman State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $19,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,280. That is a strong return on a $19,875 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Truman State University report
Minot State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Minot State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,788 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,759. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minot State University
West Texas A And M University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Students borrow a median of $22,333 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,333 median debt. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
University Of Mary placed #18 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit school based in Bismarck, ND. Students from in state pay about $22,356 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $26,983. University Of Mary alumni report median earnings of $60,909 a decade after entry. Set against $26,983 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Mary
Concordia University Wisconsin came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,470. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $27,172. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Wisconsin report
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,286. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Montclair State University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Communication Sciences students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
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. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Illinois State University
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based 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. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Northern Illinois University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,500. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Northeastern State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Northeastern State University is a public school based in Tahlequah, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,810, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $14,650. Northeastern State University alumni report median earnings of $45,379 a decade after entry. Set against $14,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. See the full Northeastern State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Sciences Master’s Degree 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. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. 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. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center placed #27 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,214, with out-of-state students paying around $22,514. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,348 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Nevada State College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Henderson, NV, Nevada State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,765 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,833. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,909. Nevada State College alumni report median earnings of $53,166 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,909 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Nevada State College
University Of Central Arkansas landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Conway, AR. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
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. Read the full report on University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences
California Baptist University placed #30 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $26,375. Median earnings reach $61,504 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. See the full California Baptist University profile
University Of South Dakota ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. University Of South Dakota Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Fort Hays State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $24,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,118 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,450 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,118 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences is a public school based in Little Rock, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,086, compared with $14,714 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,106 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $73,827 ten years out. Set against $23,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
Louisiana Tech University placed #36 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,790 median debt. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Louisiana Tech University report
Saint Cloud State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $17,637 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,637 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,500. 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. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Loyola University Baltimore came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, Loyola University Baltimore is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,150. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $82,652 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Loyola University Baltimore has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Loyola University Baltimore report
California State University East Bay placed #40 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,583, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. California State University East Bay Communication Sciences students take on a median of $18,261 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,401. That is a strong return on a $18,261 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
California State University Fresno placed #41 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. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $17,336. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,336 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University Fresno
California State University San Marcos ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in San Marcos, CA, California State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, with out-of-state students paying around $20,682. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $15,998. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,908. That is a strong return on a $15,998 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
University Of North Texas landed the #43 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 $20,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Rockhurst University placed #44 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Kansas City, MO, Rockhurst University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,966. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,102. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rockhurst University
San Diego State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Diego State University
Saint Ambrose University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Davenport, IA, Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $36,658 in tuition and fees. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Ambrose University
California State University Fullerton landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University Fullerton
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
Maryville University Of Saint Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,166. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $24,499. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,105 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,499 median debt. Maryville University Of Saint Louis has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Maryville University Of Saint Louis
University Of Redlands came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,878. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,690 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Redlands admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Redlands
Related Communication Sciences Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Doctoral 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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