2026 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM

Central New Mexico Community College earned the #1 spot for value among communications schools in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $10,112. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Central New Mexico Community College generally make around $34,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Texas A And M International University
Laredo, TX

A rank of #2 makes Texas A And M International University one of the best values for communications. Texas A And M International University is a large public school located in the city of Laredo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,894, with out-of-state students paying around $19,454. Students borrow a median of $17,100 to complete the communications program here. Early-career communications graduates make about $22,430. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted.

3

The University Of Texas Pan American
Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value communications schools. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. Students from in state pay about $9,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $11,956. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $26,748. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

4

Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK

Students looking for strong value in communications will find it at Tulsa Community College, which ranked #4. Tulsa Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Tulsa. Students from in state pay about $3,792 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,720 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,789 to complete the communications program here. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Tulsa Community College generally make around $41,718. That is a strong return on a $15,789 median debt.

5

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

A rank of #5 makes New Mexico State University Main Campus one of the best values for communications. Set in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $19,026. Communications graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of $41,860 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,026 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

6

University Of Houston Victoria
Victoria, TX

University Of Houston Victoria landed the #6 spot for communications value this year. University Of Houston Victoria is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Victoria. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,149, compared with $16,941 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $20,625. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from University Of Houston Victoria generally make around $47,345. Set against $20,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

7

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin
Odessa, TX

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin earned the #7 position for value in communications this year. The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Odessa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,607, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,852 to complete the communications program here. Early-career communications graduates make about $46,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin admits about 95% of applicants.

8

University Of Houston Clear Lake
Houston, TX

University Of Houston Clear Lake placed #8 among the best values for communications. University Of Houston Clear Lake is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Houston. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. Communications graduates carry a median of $19,829 in student loans. Early-career communications graduates make about $28,566. Set against $19,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

9

The University Of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

The University Of Texas At San Antonio earned the #9 position for value in communications this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,326, compared with $22,249 for out-of-state students. Communications graduates carry a median of $22,923 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from The University Of Texas At San Antonio generally make around $37,858. Set against $22,923 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.

10

The University Of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso placed #10 among the best values for communications. Located in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,819 to complete the communications program here. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from The University Of Texas At El Paso generally make around $23,766. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants.

11

Lamar University
Beaumont, TX

Lamar University came in at #11 for value in communications this year. Lamar University is a very large public school located in the city of Beaumont. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $25,669. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Lamar University generally make around $32,556. That is a strong return on a $25,669 median debt. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants.

12

Glendale Community College Glendale Az
Glendale, AZ

Glendale Community College Glendale Az landed the #12 spot for communications value this year. Located in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $15,996. Early-career communications graduates make about $51,483. That is a strong return on a $15,996 median debt.

13

Chandler Gilbert Community College
Chandler, AZ

Chandler Gilbert Community College placed #13 among the best values for communications. Set in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Communications graduates carry a median of $10,447 in student loans. Communications graduates of Chandler Gilbert Community College earn a median of $46,943 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,447 median debt.

14

Estrella Mountain Community College
Avondale, AZ

Estrella Mountain Community College landed the #14 spot for communications value this year. Located in the suburb of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $21,752 to complete the communications program here. Communications graduates of Estrella Mountain Community College earn a median of $78,359 early in their careers. Set against $21,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

15

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University came in at #15 for value in communications this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete the communications program here. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $56,309. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

16

Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ

Mesa Community College placed #16 among the best values for communications. Located in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Communications graduates carry a median of $13,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

17

Texas A And M University San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

Texas A And M University San Antonio placed #17 among the best values for communications. Texas A And M University San Antonio is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of San Antonio. In-state tuition and fees average $9,654, compared with $23,255 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Texas A And M University San Antonio generally make around $31,953. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

18

Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX

Angelo State University earned the #18 position for value in communications this year. Angelo State University is a large public school located in the city of San Angelo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,460, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Students borrow a median of $21,369 to complete the communications program here. Communications graduates of Angelo State University earn a median of $32,220 early in their careers. Set against $21,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.

19

University Of Houston
Houston, TX

University Of Houston came in at #19 for value in communications this year. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $24,777. Communications graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $37,958 early in their careers. Set against $24,777 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

20

University Of Phoenix Arizona
Phoenix, AZ

University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value communications schools. Located in the city of Phoenix, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Students borrow a median of $45,000 to complete the communications program here. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from University Of Phoenix Arizona generally make around $47,919. That is a strong return on a $45,000 median debt.

21

The University Of Texas At Tyler
Tyler, TX

The University Of Texas At Tyler ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value communications schools. Located in the city of Tyler, The University Of Texas At Tyler is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,512, while out-of-state students pay about $24,512. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $15,021. Early-career communications graduates make about $27,586. Set against $15,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Tyler admits about 94% of applicants.

22

Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, OK

Southwestern Oklahoma State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value communications schools. Located in the town of Weatherford, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,469, while out-of-state students pay about $8,499. Communications graduates carry a median of $20,795 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from Southwestern Oklahoma State University generally make around $57,280. Set against $20,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

Scottsdale Community College
Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale Community College landed the #23 spot for communications value this year. Scottsdale Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Scottsdale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $13,084. Early-career communications graduates make about $48,039. That is a strong return on a $13,084 median debt.

24

The University Of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX

The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #24 for value in communications this year. Located in the city of Arlington, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete the communications program here. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Arlington generally make around $32,990. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

25

University Of Houston Downtown
Houston, TX

University Of Houston Downtown landed the #25 spot for communications value this year. University Of Houston Downtown is a large public school located in the city of Houston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,582, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. Typical student debt for communications graduates is $28,375. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients from University Of Houston Downtown generally make around $34,123. Set against $28,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.