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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Communications Schools in Ohio

7 Colleges in the United States
$22,885 Avg Student Debt
$53,023 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Communications Badge [Communications](/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/communications/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 24 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for communications students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Communications Schools in Ohio

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the communications degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Communications Schools

1

University Of Akron Main Campus earned the #1 spot for value among communications schools in Ohio. Set in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $25,347. Early-career communications graduates make about $49,045. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kent State University At Kent earned it the #2 place for communications. Located in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $26,000. Early-career communications graduates make about $35,804. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

3

Ohio University Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value communications schools. Located in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $24,063. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Ohio University Main Campus generally make around $36,666. Set against $24,063 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.

4

Ohio Wesleyan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in communications, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Delaware, Ohio Wesleyan University is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,248. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $26,868. Communications graduates of Ohio Wesleyan University earn a median of $31,531 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%.

5

A rank of #5 makes Mount Vernon Nazarene University one of the best values for communications. Set in the town of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,193. Students borrow a median of $26,602 to complete the communications program here. Communications graduates of Mount Vernon Nazarene University earn a median of $53,377 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,602 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

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6
Ashland University crest
Ashland University
Ashland, OH

Ashland University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value communications schools. Ashland University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Ashland. In-state tuition and fees average $31,210. Communications graduates carry a median of $2,625 in student loans. Early-career communications graduates make about $25,465. That is a strong return on a $2,625 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

7

Franciscan University Of Steubenville came in at #7 for value in communications this year. Franciscan University Of Steubenville is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Steubenville. Students from in state pay about $34,100 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $24,953. Communications graduates of Franciscan University Of Steubenville earn a median of $33,991 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,953 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.

8

The College Of Wooster landed the #8 spot for communications value this year. Set in the town of Wooster, The College Of Wooster is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,640 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,681 to complete the communications program here. Communications graduates of The College Of Wooster earn a median of $39,527 early in their careers. Set against $22,681 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.

9
Xavier University crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH

Xavier University placed #9 among the best values for communications. Set in the city of Cincinnati, Xavier University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,425. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $26,825. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Xavier University generally make around $55,045. That is a strong return on a $26,825 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 24 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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