2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Communication Sciences master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 410 institutions 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, Healthcare Degree Search evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $37,800. La Salle University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $25,462 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Get the full La Salle University report
A rank of #2 makes Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. Based 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, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. 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. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Out of the 410 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #4 spot. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Brigham Young University Provo Communication Sciences students take on a median of $11,974 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $11,974 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mississippi University For Women earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Columbus, MS, Mississippi University For Women is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,492. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $24,509. Median earnings reach $46,128 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Mississippi University For Women
Worcester State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Worcester State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Worcester State University
Harding University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Searcy, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,962. Graduates carry a median of $23,920 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,876 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,920 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Harding University report
Rocky Mountain University Of Health Professions offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located 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 landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $27,776. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio Communication Sciences students take on a median of $20,247 in debt. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $82,206 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,247 median debt. Get the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio report
Universidad Del Turabo landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $11,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. Set against $11,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo
Calvin College placed #11 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Median earnings reach $58,375 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Calvin College
Baldwin Wallace College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Berea, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,832. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $27,307. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,420. Marywood University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $24,187 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,817 ten years after entry. Set against $24,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marywood University
Biola University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Mirada, CA, Biola University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $48,984. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,778 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Biola University
Truman State University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Graduates carry a median of $19,875 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,280. That is a strong return on a $19,875 median debt. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Truman State University
Minot State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,702. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,788. Median earnings reach $51,759 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minot State University
West Texas A And M University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based 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. West Texas A And M University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,333 in debt. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
University Of Mary landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bismarck, ND, University Of Mary is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,356. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $26,983. University Of Mary alumni report median earnings of $60,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Mary
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,470. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $27,172. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. Concordia University Wisconsin has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
Montclair State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,286. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Montclair State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $19,500. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Illinois State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Illinois State University report
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Northern Illinois University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Northern Illinois University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. 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. More on Northern Illinois University
Northeastern State University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Northeastern State University is a public school based in Tahlequah, OK. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Northeastern State University Communication Sciences students take on a median of $14,650 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. Set against $14,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants. 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 offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $21,500. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,348. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Read the full report on Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Nevada State College landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Henderson, NV, Nevada State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,765, with out-of-state students paying around $21,833. Graduates carry a median of $25,909 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,166 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nevada State College admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Nevada State College
University Of Central Arkansas ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $15,000. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in San Marcos, CA, University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences is a private for-profit institution. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,150. Read the full report on University Of St Augustine For Health Sciences
California Baptist University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,228. Students borrow a median of $26,375 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,504. That is a strong return on a $26,375 median debt. California Baptist University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about California Baptist University
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, 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. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Fort Hays State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Texas A And M University Kingsville placed #34 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $24,118. Texas A And M University Kingsville alumni report median earnings of $51,450 a decade after entry. Set against $24,118 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Texas A And M University Kingsville
University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences placed #35 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Little Rock, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,086, while out-of-state students pay about $14,714. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $23,106. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences
Louisiana Tech University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ruston, LA, Louisiana Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,125, with out-of-state students paying around $16,866. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $19,790. Median earnings reach $52,279 ten years out. Set against $19,790 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Louisiana Tech University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Louisiana Tech University
Saint Cloud State University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $17,637. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Loyola University Baltimore ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. Located in Baltimore, MD, Loyola University Baltimore is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $57,150 in tuition and fees. Loyola University Baltimore Communication Sciences students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Loyola University Baltimore alumni report median earnings of $82,652 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Loyola University Baltimore
California State University East Bay placed #40 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hayward, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,583 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. Students borrow a median of $18,261 to complete their Communication Sciences program here. A decade after starting, 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. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
California State University Fresno landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $17,336. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fresno has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full California State University Fresno report
California State University San Marcos placed #42 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. 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. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $15,998. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,908. Set against $15,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of North Texas
Rockhurst University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Kansas City, MO, Rockhurst University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,966. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,102. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Rockhurst University report
San Diego State University placed #44 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $8,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%. See the full San Diego State University profile
Saint Ambrose University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set 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. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $27,528. 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. More on Saint Ambrose University
California State University Fullerton placed #47 among the best-value Communication Sciences schools in the United States. California State University Fullerton is a public school based in Fullerton, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. California State University Fullerton Communication Sciences students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,951. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Fullerton profile
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $21,500. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Maryville University Of Saint Louis ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. The median Communication Sciences program debt is $24,499. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,105. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on Maryville University Of Saint Louis
University Of Redlands ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Communication Sciences schools. University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Redlands, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,878. Typical Communication Sciences student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,690. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Redlands has an acceptance rate of 83%. More on University Of Redlands
Related Communication Sciences Value Rankings
Explore 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
This list is compiled by Healthcare Degree Search (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).
HealthcareDegreeSearch.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© HealthcareDegreeSearch.com – All Rights Reserved.