2026 Best Value Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Indiana University Kokomo
Kokomo, IN

Indiana University Kokomo tops our 2026 list of the best value communication & media studies schools in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Kokomo, Indiana University Kokomo is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Indiana University Kokomo generally make around $31,085. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Kokomo admits about 86% of applicants.

2

Henry Ford Community College
Dearborn, MI

Students looking for strong value in communication & media studies will find it at Henry Ford Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Dearborn, Henry Ford Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,568 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,816. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $18,876 in student loans. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Henry Ford Community College earn a median of $36,247 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & media studies schools. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $39,775. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

4

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a great value for students pursuing a degree in communication & media studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $37,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.

5

Governors State University
University Park, IL

Governors State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in communication & media studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,004. Students borrow a median of $20,340 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Governors State University generally make around $27,071. That is a strong return on a $20,340 median debt. The acceptance rate is 48%.

6

Indiana University South Bend
South Bend, IN

Indiana University South Bend earned the #6 position for value in communication & media studies this year. Located in the city of South Bend, Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $26,000. Early-career communication & media studies graduates make about $38,094. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

7

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earned the #7 position for value in communication & media studies this year. Set in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Students borrow a median of $21,759 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville generally make around $36,569. Set against $21,759 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%.

8

Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University came in at #8 for value in communication & media studies this year. Set in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Indiana State University earn a median of $53,952 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

9

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #9 spot for communication & media studies value this year. Set in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Whitewater generally make around $39,367. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants.

10

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & media studies schools. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $21,500. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $36,700. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

11

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #11 among the best values for communication & media studies. Located in the town of Stevens Point, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $25,990 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point generally make around $35,724. Set against $25,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

12

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison earned the #12 position for value in communication & media studies this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $23,250. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $37,286. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

13

Wright State University Main Campus
Dayton, OH

Wright State University Main Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & media studies schools. Located in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Early-career communication & media studies graduates make about $33,171. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

14

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & media studies schools. Central Michigan University is a large public school located in the town of Mount Pleasant. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Central Michigan University generally make around $31,913. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants.

15

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #15 among the best values for communication & media studies. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a very large public school located in the city of Milwaukee. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee generally make around $38,040. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.

16

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University came in at #16 for value in communication & media studies this year. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $20,125 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Early-career communication & media studies graduates make about $41,670. That is a strong return on a $20,125 median debt. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants.

17

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale earned the #17 position for value in communication & media studies this year. Set in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $26,543 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Carbondale generally make around $32,465. That is a strong return on a $26,543 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

18

North Park University
Chicago, IL

North Park University placed #18 among the best values for communication & media studies. Located in the city of Chicago, North Park University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. Students borrow a median of $27,360 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from North Park University generally make around $51,611. That is a strong return on a $27,360 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

19

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus placed #19 among the best values for communication & media studies. Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the town of Athens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $24,063. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Ohio University Main Campus generally make around $36,666. That is a strong return on a $24,063 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

20

Rochester College
Rochester Hills, MI

Rochester College placed #20 among the best values for communication & media studies. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Rochester College is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $29,196 in tuition and fees. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $26,166 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Rochester College generally make around $36,051. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rochester College admits about 98% of applicants.

21

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University landed the #21 spot for communication & media studies value this year. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $26,750. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $36,390. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

22

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL

Olivet Nazarene University came in at #22 for value in communication & media studies this year. Located in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $27,000. Early-career communication & media studies graduates make about $23,259. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.

23

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #23 spot for communication & media studies value this year. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $20,869 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Communication & Media Studies graduates of University Of Cincinnati Main Campus earn a median of $39,953 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.

24

Depauw University
Greencastle, IN

Depauw University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & media studies schools. Located in the town of Greencastle, Depauw University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,070. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Depauw University generally make around $46,127. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

25

Saint Norbert College
De Pere, WI

Saint Norbert College placed #25 among the best values for communication & media studies. Located in the suburb of De Pere, Saint Norbert College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $45,580 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,262 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Early-career communication & media studies graduates make about $38,287. Set against $26,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.