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

4 Colleges in the United States
$19,945 Avg Student Debt
$42,249 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Communications Badge [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.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 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 Arkansas

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

Best Value Communications Schools

1

University Of Arkansas Fort Smith earned the #1 spot for value among communications schools in Arkansas. Set in the city of Fort Smith, University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,334, while out-of-state students pay about $12,182. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the communications program here. Early-career communications graduates make about $28,951. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith admits about 80% of applicants.

2

A rank of #2 makes Southeast Arkansas College one of the best values for communications. Set in the town of Pine Bluff, Southeast Arkansas College is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,200, compared with $8,650 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $12,008. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Southeast Arkansas College generally make around $30,715. That is a strong return on a $12,008 median debt.

3

Arkansas State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in communications, landing the #3 spot this year. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Jonesboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $21,250. Communications graduates of Arkansas State University Main Campus earn a median of $40,192 early in their careers. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

4

A rank of #4 makes Ouachita Baptist University one of the best values for communications. Located in the town of Arkadelphia, Ouachita Baptist University is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,500. Communications graduates carry a median of $23,521 in student loans. Early-career communications graduates make about $34,574. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ouachita Baptist University admits about 68% of applicants.

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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 · 7 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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