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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Communications Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

22 Colleges in the United States
$23,099 Avg Student Debt
$65,121 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. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong communications education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 71 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 the Middle Atlantic Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in communications, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Communications Schools

1
Cuny City College crest
Cuny City College
New York, NY

Our analysis ranked Cuny City College the best value for a degree in communications in the Middle Atlantic Region. Set in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,340, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $15,827. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Cuny City College generally make around $42,734. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

2

Cuny Bernard M Baruch College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value communications schools. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Bernard M Baruch College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,464, with out-of-state students paying around $15,414. Communications graduates carry a median of $7,892 in student loans. Communications graduates of Cuny Bernard M Baruch College earn a median of $36,367 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Bernard M Baruch College admits about 48% of applicants.

3

A rank of #3 makes Cuny Brooklyn College one of the best values for communications. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Communications graduates carry a median of $11,750 in student loans. Communications graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College earn a median of $40,843 early in their careers. Set against $11,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Brooklyn College admits about 58% of applicants.

4

Students looking for strong value in communications will find it at Cuny College Of Staten Island, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Staten Island, Cuny College Of Staten Island is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,490, with out-of-state students paying around $15,440. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete the communications program here. Early-career communications graduates make about $29,702. Set against $13,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.

5
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

A rank of #5 makes Towson University one of the best values for communications. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Communications graduates carry a median of $20,309 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Towson University generally make around $42,657. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants.

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6

Frostburg State University landed the #6 spot for communications value this year. Set in the town of Frostburg, Frostburg State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,814 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Frostburg State University generally make around $28,720. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Frostburg State University admits about 89% of applicants.

7

Atlantic Cape Community College placed #7 among the best values for communications. Set in the rural area of Mays Landing, Atlantic Cape Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,594 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,350. Students borrow a median of $12,002 to complete the communications program here. Communications graduates of Atlantic Cape Community College earn a median of $37,141 early in their careers. Set against $12,002 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value communications schools. Set in the town of Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,046, compared with $22,870 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,416. Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania admits about 93% of applicants.

9
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University placed #9 among the best values for communications. Set in the suburb of Stony Brook, Stony Brook University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,931, with out-of-state students paying around $32,741. Communications graduates carry a median of $20,537 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Stony Brook University generally make around $60,047. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 49%.

10

Suny College At Potsdam placed #10 among the best values for communications. Set in the town of Potsdam, Suny College At Potsdam is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,768 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,678 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $26,001. Communications graduates of Suny College At Potsdam earn a median of $34,933 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

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11
Mercy College crest
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY

Mercy College placed #11 among the best values for communications. Located in the suburb of Dobbs Ferry, Mercy College is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $22,880. Communications graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Communications graduates of Mercy College earn a median of $31,079 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mercy College admits about 86% of applicants.

12

Pennsylvania Western University earned the #12 position for value in communications this year. Located in the town of California, Pennsylvania Western University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,436, while out-of-state students pay about $16,054. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,295 ten years after entry. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

13

Suny At Purchase College came in at #13 for value in communications this year. Located in the suburb of Purchase, Suny At Purchase College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,016, compared with $19,266 for out-of-state students. Communications graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Early-career communications graduates make about $31,881. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

14

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #14 spot for communications value this year. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Slippery Rock. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the communications program here. Communications graduates of Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $35,840 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

15

Suny College At Cortland placed #15 among the best values for communications. Located in the town of Cortland, Suny College At Cortland is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,874, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. Students borrow a median of $23,874 to complete the communications program here. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Suny College At Cortland generally make around $34,683. That is a strong return on a $23,874 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%.

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16

Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value communications schools. Located in the town of Kutztown, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $26,000. Communications graduates of Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $35,957 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

17
La Salle University crest
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA

La Salle University came in at #17 for value in communications this year. La Salle University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. In-state tuition and fees average $37,800. Communications graduates carry a median of $26,924 in student loans. Communications graduates of La Salle University earn a median of $36,127 early in their careers. Set against $26,924 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

18
Allegheny College crest
Allegheny College
Meadville, PA

Allegheny College earned the #18 position for value in communications this year. Located in the town of Meadville, Allegheny College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,550. Communications graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Allegheny College generally make around $31,994. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

19
Utica College crest
Utica College
Utica, NY

Utica College came in at #19 for value in communications this year. Set in the city of Utica, Utica College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,930 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the communications program here. Early-career communications graduates make about $23,890. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.

20
St Francis College crest
St Francis College
Brooklyn, NY

St Francis College placed #20 among the best values for communications. Set in the city of Brooklyn, St Francis College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,775. Communications graduates carry a median of $26,125 in student loans. Early-career communications graduates make about $23,811. Set against $26,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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21

The College Of New Jersey earned the #21 position for value in communications this year. The College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Ewing. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,632, compared with $25,752 for out-of-state students. Communications graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Communications graduates of The College Of New Jersey earn a median of $37,151 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants.

22
Rider University crest
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ

Rider University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value communications schools. Rider University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lawrenceville. Students from in state pay about $41,120 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,241 to complete the communications program here. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Rider University generally make around $48,601. That is a strong return on a $26,241 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

23

Saint Vincent College came in at #23 for value in communications this year. Set in the suburb of Latrobe, Saint Vincent College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,396 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Saint Vincent College generally make around $25,889. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Saint Vincent College admits about 62% of applicants.

24

Washington And Jefferson College earned the #24 position for value in communications this year. Located in the suburb of Washington, Washington And Jefferson College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,392. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Washington And Jefferson College generally make around $39,584. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.

25
Manhattan College crest
Manhattan College
Riverdale, NY

Manhattan College landed the #25 spot for communications value this year. Set in the city of Riverdale, Manhattan College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,400. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $26,000. Early-career communications graduates make about $61,065. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Manhattan College admits about 79% of applicants.

Rest of the Top 36 Best Value Communications Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s communications value ranking:

26
Stevenson University crest
Stevenson University
Owings Mills, MD
27
28
29
30
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
31
32
33
34
35
Marist College crest
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY
36

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Notes and References

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 · 71 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 22 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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