by our College Data Analytics Team
[Communications](/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/communications/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 14 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value communications schools.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in communications, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Purdue University Main Campus, our #1 best value for communications in Indiana. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $18,500. Early-career communications graduates make about $59,776. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.
A rank of #2 makes Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global one of the best values for communications. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a large private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Marion. In-state tuition and fees average $9,648. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $32,807. Early-career communications graduates make about $53,752. Set against $32,807 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes University Of Indianapolis one of the best values for communications. University Of Indianapolis is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Indianapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $37,200. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $27,000. Early-career communications graduates make about $33,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%.
A rank of #4 makes Valparaiso University one of the best values for communications. Located in the suburb of Valparaiso, Valparaiso University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,450. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Valparaiso University generally make around $35,164. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hanover College earned it the #5 place for communications. Set in the town of Hanover, Hanover College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,698. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the communications program here. Early-career communications graduates make about $31,621. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
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Saint Marys College came in at #6 for value in communications this year. Located in the suburb of Notre Dame, Saint Marys College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,230. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $27,000. Communications graduates of Saint Marys College earn a median of $32,322 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Marys College admits about 76% of applicants.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.