ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Speech Communication Schools in the Great Lakes Region

59 Colleges in the United States
$25,263 Avg Student Debt
$56,661 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Speech Communication Badge [Speech Communication](/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 130 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for speech communication students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 1
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 09.01), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Media Communication (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Media Communication (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 0
DEBUG: No relevant offers, showing generic ESYOH widget

2026 Best Value Speech Communication Schools in the Great Lakes Region

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

Best Value Speech Communication Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Sinclair Community College the best value for a degree in speech communication in the Great Lakes Region. Sinclair Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Dayton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $11,944 in student loans. Speech Communication graduates of Sinclair Community College earn a median of $32,284 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

A rank of #2 makes Indiana University Kokomo one of the best values for speech communication. Indiana University Kokomo is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Kokomo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $31,085. Set against $24,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Kokomo admits about 86% of applicants.

3

A rank of #3 makes Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis one of the best values for speech communication. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public school located in the city of Indianapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the speech communication program here. Speech Communication graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $39,775 early in their careers. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants.

4
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

A rank of #4 makes Purdue University Main Campus one of the best values for speech communication. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Speech Communication graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $59,776 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants.

5

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned it the #5 place for speech communication. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $20,376. Speech Communication graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $50,556 early in their careers. Set against $20,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor admits about 16% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #101
6

University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College came in at #6 for value in speech communication this year. Set in the suburb of Blue Ash, University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,106 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,904. Students borrow a median of $17,922 to complete the speech communication program here. Speech Communication graduates of University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College earn a median of $38,767 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,922 median debt.

7

University Of Wisconsin Parkside landed the #7 spot for speech communication value this year. Located in the rural area of Kenosha, University Of Wisconsin Parkside is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,270, compared with $17,429 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Parkside generally make around $37,107. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%.

8
Governors State University crest
Governors State University
University Park, IL

Governors State University came in at #8 for value in speech communication this year. Set in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,004. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $20,340 in student loans. Speech Communication graduates of Governors State University earn a median of $27,071 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,340 median debt. Governors State University admits about 48% of applicants.

9

Indiana University East placed #9 among the best values for speech communication. Located in the town of Richmond, Indiana University East is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,462 to complete the speech communication program here. Speech Communication graduates of Indiana University East earn a median of $37,463 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University East admits about 67% of applicants.

10

Indiana University South Bend ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Set in the city of South Bend, Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $38,094. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #115
11

Indiana University Southeast earned the #11 position for value in speech communication this year. Set in the suburb of New Albany, Indiana University Southeast is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $20,500. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $26,777. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

12

Northern Illinois University came in at #12 for value in speech communication this year. Set in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from Northern Illinois University generally make around $38,490. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

13

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #13 among the best values for speech communication. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public school located in the suburb of Edwardsville. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $21,759 in student loans. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville generally make around $36,569. That is a strong return on a $21,759 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants.

14

Western Illinois University landed the #14 spot for speech communication value this year. Located in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $30,000. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from Western Illinois University generally make around $34,142. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.

15

Purdue University Northwest earned the #15 position for value in speech communication this year. Purdue University Northwest is a large public school located in the suburb of Hammond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, with out-of-state students paying around $15,504. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $28,000. Speech Communication graduates of Purdue University Northwest earn a median of $25,541 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Saint Xavier University landed the #16 spot for speech communication value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,945 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $26,311. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from Saint Xavier University generally make around $32,169. That is a strong return on a $26,311 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

17

Indiana University Bloomington earned the #17 position for value in speech communication this year. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the speech communication program here. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $52,123. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.

18

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne came in at #18 for value in speech communication this year. Set in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $25,289. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne generally make around $39,712. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne admits about 84% of applicants.

19

University Of Michigan Dearborn earned the #19 position for value in speech communication this year. Located in the city of Dearborn, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,640, while out-of-state students pay about $32,896. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $27,200 in student loans. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from University Of Michigan Dearborn generally make around $31,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%.

20
Indiana State University crest
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University landed the #20 spot for speech communication value this year. Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Terre Haute. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $25,000. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $34,213. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #150
21

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Located in the city of La Crosse, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $24,455 in student loans. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin La Crosse generally make around $40,293. That is a strong return on a $24,455 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

22

University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #22 among the best values for speech communication. Located in the town of River Falls, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $24,212 in student loans. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin River Falls generally make around $38,309. Set against $24,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

23

University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #23 spot for speech communication value this year. Located in the city of Akron, University Of Akron Main Campus is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete the speech communication program here. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from University Of Akron Main Campus generally make around $49,045. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants.

24

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public school located in the city of Oshkosh. In-state tuition and fees average $8,532, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $26,534 in student loans. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh generally make around $40,673. Set against $26,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

25

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #25 for value in speech communication this year. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public school located in the city of Madison. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $23,250. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $37,286. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Speech Communication Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in speech communication:

26
27
28
Saginaw Valley State University crest
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI
29
30
31
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Mount Mary College crest
Mount Mary College
Milwaukee, WI
43
Aurora University crest
Aurora University
Aurora, IL
44
45
46
47
48
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
49
50

Narrow Speech Communication Schools by State

ADBLOCK #173
View All Speech Communication Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 130 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 59 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options