2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Sciences bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 410 colleges 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.
To help you make your decision, Healthcare Degree Search 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. 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. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus earned it the #2 place in the United States. 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. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,550. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Minot State University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Communication Sciences ranking in the United States. Based in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,702 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,788 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,759 ten years after entry. Set against $25,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. More on Minot State University
You'll get strong value at Mississippi University For Women, which ranked #4 this year. Mississippi University For Women is a public school based in Columbus, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,492. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $24,509. Median earnings reach $46,128 ten years out. 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
You'll get strong value at Delta State University, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Cleveland, MS, Delta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,605. Delta State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $23,432 in debt. Delta State University alumni report median earnings of $41,991 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. More on Delta State University
Western Carolina University placed #6 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $21,287. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Western Carolina University report
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit school based in Mercedita, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. Students borrow a median of $7,869 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $26,721 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 34%. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #8 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Universidad Del Turabo ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit school based in Gurabo, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Universidad Del Turabo Communication Sciences students take on a median of $11,125 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $26,223 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Universidad Del Turabo report
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. 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. Students borrow a median of $20,536 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,536 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Nevada State College placed #12 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Nevada State College is a public school based in Henderson, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $6,765, compared with $21,833 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $25,909. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,166 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Nevada State College profile
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,110. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. More on University Of North Dakota
University Of South Dakota placed #14 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
West Texas A And M University placed #15 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,333. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about West Texas A And M University
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,500. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Central Michigan University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $23,992. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $10,214, while out-of-state students pay about $22,514. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $92,348 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. 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
Truman State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $19,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,280. Set against $19,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Truman State University
California State University San Marcos landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. California State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,998 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. 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. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University San Marcos
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Arkansas State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $42,617 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arkansas State University Main Campus profile
University Of Minnesota Duluth placed #24 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,164. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,616. That is a strong return on a $21,164 median debt. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Duluth report
Northern Illinois University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. 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. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Communication Sciences Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #26 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $21,608 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi
University Of Florida Online ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,876, with out-of-state students paying around $16,579. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $15,000. University Of Florida Online alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida Online has an acceptance rate of 61%. More on University Of Florida Online
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Akron Main Campus ranked #29 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 average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
California State University Los Angeles landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $12,500. Median earnings reach $59,211 ten years out. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Los Angeles report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #31 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,021. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #32 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. Minnesota State University Moorhead Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. 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
Cuny Lehman College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Lehman College is a public school based in Bronx, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,410, while out-of-state students pay about $15,360. Students borrow a median of $11,544 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Cuny Lehman College alumni report median earnings of $58,013 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,544 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Lehman College report
Western Illinois University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Western Illinois University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,375 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $20,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Stephen F Austin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,634. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Stephen F Austin State University
Utah State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Utah State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $17,479 in debt. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,479 median debt. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Utah State University report
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. University Of South Florida Main Campus Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,208 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
Eastern Illinois University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Eastern Illinois University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Eastern Illinois University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $26,211. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
California State University East Bay landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hayward, CA, California State University East Bay is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,583 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $18,261. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,401. Set against $18,261 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University East Bay admits about 97% of applicants. Get the full California State University East Bay report
California State University Sacramento offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,018 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $17,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,876. Set against $17,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read the full report on California State University Sacramento
California State University Fresno placed #42 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Graduates carry a median of $17,336 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,244 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $21,970. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,105 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,970 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
San Francisco State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,250 in student loans. San Francisco State University alumni report median earnings of $68,077 a decade after entry. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about San Francisco State University
University Of Wyoming placed #45 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Laramie, WY. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wyoming
San Diego State University placed #46 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $15,000. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full San Diego State University report
Harding University placed #47 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,962 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $23,920. 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%. Read the full report on Harding University
California State University Long Beach came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Long Beach
Louisiana Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Ruston, LA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,279 ten years after entry. Set against $19,790 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University
Western Michigan University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Communication Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Healthcare Degree Search (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).