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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Communication & Media Studies Schools in Arizona

6 Colleges in the United States
$21,423 Avg Student Debt
$49,367 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Communication & Media Studies Badge [Communication & Media Studies](/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong communication & media studies education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 22 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for communication & media studies students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Communication & Media Studies Schools in Arizona

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

Best Value Communication & Media Studies Schools

1

Leading the list is Glendale Community College Glendale Az, our #1 best value for communication & media studies in Arizona. Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glendale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $15,996 in student loans. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Glendale Community College Glendale Az earn a median of $51,483 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Chandler Gilbert Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & media studies schools. Located in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $10,447. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Chandler Gilbert Community College earn a median of $46,943 early in their careers. Set against $10,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

A rank of #3 makes Estrella Mountain Community College one of the best values for communication & media studies. Located in the suburb of Avondale, Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $21,752. Communication & Media Studies 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.

4

Mesa Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in communication & media studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Mesa Community College earn a median of $54,730 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.

5

Arizona State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & media studies schools. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $22,500. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $56,309. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

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6

University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #6 for value in communication & media studies this year. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,552. Students borrow a median of $45,000 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Early-career communication & media studies graduates make about $47,919. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Scottsdale Community College came in at #7 for value in communication & media studies this year. Scottsdale Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Scottsdale. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $13,084. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Scottsdale Community College earn a median of $48,039 early in their careers. Set against $13,084 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Northern Arizona University earned the #8 position for value in communication & media studies this year. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Students borrow a median of $19,375 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $41,491 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

9

University Of Arizona earned the #9 position for value in communication & media studies this year. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $19,750 in student loans. Early-career communication & media studies graduates make about $42,993. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

10

Grand Canyon University earned the #10 position for value in communication & media studies this year. Located in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Grand Canyon University earn a median of $43,323 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

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11

Ottawa University Surprise ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & media studies schools. Set in the suburb of Surprise, Ottawa University Surprise is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $35,880. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the communication & media studies program here. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Ottawa University Surprise generally make around $33,465. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 22 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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