2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Doctoral Degree Schools

#1

Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions

Provo, UT

Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Communication Sciences doctoral degree schools in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions is a private for-profit institution. More on Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions

#2

Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ

You'll get strong value at Montclair State University, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,286. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Montclair State University

#3

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Illinois University

#4

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Out of the 410 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Missouri State University Springfield landed the #4 spot. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,500. 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. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield

#5

Illinois State University

Normal, IL

You'll get strong value at Illinois State University, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois State University profile

#6

Salus University

Elkins Park, PA

Salus University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Salus University is a private not-for-profit school based in Elkins Park, PA. Read the full report on Salus University

#7

University Of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS

University Of Southern Mississippi placed #7 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi

#8

University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR

University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences placed #8 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. Students from in state pay about $9,086 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,714. Graduates carry a median of $23,106 in student loans. 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

#9

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Lubbock, TX

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. In-state tuition and fees average $10,214, compared with $22,514 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,348. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

#10

Louisiana Tech University

Ruston, LA

Louisiana Tech University placed #10 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Louisiana Tech University is a public school based 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,279. That is a strong return on a $19,790 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Louisiana Tech University profile

#11

University Of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD

University Of South Dakota placed #11 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Dakota

#12

A T Still University Of Health Sciences

Kirksville, MO

A T Still University Of Health Sciences placed #12 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Kirksville, MO, A T Still University Of Health Sciences is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full A T Still University Of Health Sciences report

#13

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. 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

#14

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. University Of Akron Main Campus Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus

#15

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile

#16

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. More on San Diego State University

#17

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans

New Orleans, LA

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Orleans, LA, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,356, with out-of-state students paying around $18,851. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $31,146. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,495. That is a strong return on a $31,146 median debt. Get the full Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans report

#18

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

Lamar University placed #18 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,905, with out-of-state students paying around $18,745. Lamar University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,652. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Lamar University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Lamar University

#19

Cuny Graduate School And University Center

New York, NY

Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Cuny Graduate School And University Center alumni report median earnings of $65,991 a decade after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center

#20

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Students borrow a median of $23,992 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile

#21

Towson University

Towson, MD

Towson University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $21,981. Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Towson University

#22

Kent State University At Kent

Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Kent State University At Kent Communication Sciences students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Kent State University At Kent

#23

Kean University

Union, NJ

Kean University placed #23 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Kean University is a public school based in Union, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $26,703. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,237 ten years after entry. Set against $26,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kean University admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Kean University profile

#24

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,248. Students borrow a median of $20,750 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $52,021 ten years out. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point

#25

Ohio University Main Campus

Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. The acceptance rate is 85%. More on Ohio University Main Campus

#26

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $26,315. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of Memphis

#27

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $18,876 in student loans. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#28

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,952. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#29

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS

Wichita State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Graduates carry a median of $21,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on Wichita State University

#30

University Of Washington Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $18,000. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile

#31

University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences

San Juan, PR

University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,945. Students borrow a median of $6,025 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,953 ten years after entry. Set against $6,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences

#31

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University placed #31 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Located in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Western Washington University alumni report median earnings of $62,569 a decade after entry. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Washington University has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Western Washington University profile

#33

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

Greensboro, NC

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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,699. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,160. Set against $22,699 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Greensboro

#34

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,536. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report

#35

University Of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,738. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile

#37

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $22,208. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $22,208 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report

#38

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill has an acceptance rate of 15%. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#39

Gallaudet University

Washington, DC

Gallaudet University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,654. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $24,123. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,101 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gallaudet University has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read more about Gallaudet University

#39

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia Communication Sciences students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read more about University Of Georgia

#41

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $22,960. Median earnings reach $68,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Christian University

#42

Utah State University

Logan, UT

Utah State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,560, with out-of-state students paying around $24,993. Utah State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $17,479 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,022. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full Utah State University report

#43

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $72,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%. More on Purdue University Main Campus

#44

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,021. Nova Southeastern University alumni report median earnings of $59,209 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Nova Southeastern University

#45

University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Oklahoma City, OK

University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Oklahoma City, OK, University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,925, compared with $25,714 for out-of-state students. University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

#46

The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center

Memphis, TN

The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in Memphis, TN, The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,911, while out-of-state students pay about $25,644. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,318. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center report

#46

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $19,875. Median earnings reach $63,742 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington

#48

University Of South Alabama

Mobile, AL

University Of South Alabama ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Mobile, AL, University Of South Alabama is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,116, with out-of-state students paying around $19,092. Students borrow a median of $22,989 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. 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%. Read the full report on University Of South Alabama

#49

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $23,781 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $23,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Kansas

#50

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,833 ten years after entry. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ball State University

#51

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Graduates carry a median of $19,975 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,954 ten years out. Set against $19,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about James Madison University