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. Our scores reflect 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, Healthcare Degree Search 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 Sciences 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. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,462. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. More on La Salle University
Out of the 410 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Lake Region State College landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Devils Lake, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,520. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $15,784. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,502. That is a strong return on a $15,784 median debt. See the full Lake Region State College profile
Out of the 410 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #3 spot. Set 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. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $11,974. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,974 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Out of the 410 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Granite State College landed the #4 spot. Located in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,724, with out-of-state students paying around $9,284. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $27,522. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Granite State College report
San Joaquin Delta College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Communication Sciences ranking in the United States. Located in Stockton, CA, San Joaquin Delta College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, compared with $9,772 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,382 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. San Joaquin Delta College alumni report median earnings of $43,212 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full San Joaquin Delta College report
Copiah Lincoln Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Copiah Lincoln Community College is a public school based in Wesson, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,200, while out-of-state students pay about $5,200. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,241 ten years after entry. See the full Copiah Lincoln Community College profile
Pasadena City College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Pasadena, CA, Pasadena City College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,180, with out-of-state students paying around $10,924. Graduates carry a median of $9,191 in student loans. Pasadena City College alumni report median earnings of $43,937 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Pasadena City College
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,550 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus report
Santa Ana College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Santa Ana, CA, Santa Ana College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,180, compared with $10,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,196 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,552. Set against $11,196 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Santa Ana College
American River College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. American River College is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,288, with out-of-state students paying around $12,616. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $14,105. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,162. That is a strong return on a $14,105 median debt. More on American River College
Orange Coast College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Costa Mesa, CA, Orange Coast College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,392, while out-of-state students pay about $11,640. Orange Coast College Communication Sciences students take on a median of $8,978 in debt. Orange Coast College alumni report median earnings of $47,348 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Orange Coast College report
Mississippi University For Women ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,492 in tuition and fees. Mississippi University For Women Communication Sciences students take on a median of $24,509 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,128. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. Mississippi University For Women admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Mississippi University For Women
Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Provo, UT, Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions is a private for-profit institution. Read more about Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in San Antonio, TX. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,776. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,247. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,206. That is a strong return on a $20,247 median debt. More on The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio
Minot State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,702. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,788. 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 admits about 65% of applicants. Get the full Minot State University report
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Delta State University placed #18 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $23,432. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,991. That is a strong return on a $23,432 median debt. Delta State University admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full Delta State University report
Cerritos College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Norwalk, CA, Cerritos College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,364, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $11,306. Cerritos College alumni report median earnings of $41,156 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cerritos College
East Mississippi Community College placed #20 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Scooba, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,095, with out-of-state students paying around $7,445. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $9,422. Median earnings reach $33,772 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,422 median debt. Read the full report on East Mississippi Community College
Universidad Del Turabo placed #21 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. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Sciences program 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 the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $7,869. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,721. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce admits about 34% of applicants. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
West Texas A And M University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,333 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
Arizona State University Skysong placed #24 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $20,536 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set 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 Sciences students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. 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
Worcester State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $21,910. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,624. That is a strong return on a $21,910 median debt. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Worcester State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Sciences Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Montclair State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,286. 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. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Montclair State University
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #28 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. Students from in state pay about $39,832 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $27,307. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,122. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Baldwin Wallace College has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Baldwin Wallace College profile
Nevada State College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Henderson, NV, Nevada State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,765, while out-of-state students pay about $21,833. Nevada State College Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,909 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,166 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,909 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Nevada State College
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
University Of Mary came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $22,356. Graduates carry a median of $26,983 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,909. That is a strong return on a $26,983 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Mary profile
Harding University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $23,920. Median earnings reach $52,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harding University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Harding University profile
Truman State University placed #33 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $19,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,280. Set against $19,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Truman State University
Western Carolina University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Western Carolina University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,287 in debt. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,287 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Carolina University
University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Marcos, CA, University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences is a private for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $79,150 ten years out. Read more about University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
University Of South Dakota ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,214, compared with $22,514 for out-of-state students. 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 the full report on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences placed #39 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,086, while out-of-state students pay about $14,714. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $23,106. University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences alumni report median earnings of $73,827 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,106 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
Northern Illinois University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Calvin College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Rapids, MI, Calvin College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,350. Calvin College Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. 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. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Calvin College
Missouri State University Springfield placed #42 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. 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. Missouri State University Springfield Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #43 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Northeastern State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Northeastern State University is a public school based in Tahlequah, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $14,650. Median earnings reach $45,379 ten years out. Set against $14,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about Northeastern State University
California State University San Marcos came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Marcos, CA, California State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,998 in student loans. California State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $62,908 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,998 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University San Marcos
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Communication Sciences students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. Concordia University Wisconsin alumni report median earnings of $56,075 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
University Of North Dakota placed #47 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,110. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Dakota
San Jose State University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full San Jose State University profile
Saint Ambrose University placed #49 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Davenport, IA, Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,658. Graduates carry a median of $27,528 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,531. Set against $27,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Ambrose University
Salus University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Elkins Park, PA, Salus University is a private not-for-profit institution. More on Salus University
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #51 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire report
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 Healthcare Degree Search (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 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).