by our College Data Analytics Team
[Speech Communication](/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for speech communication students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in speech communication, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked College Of Western Idaho the best value for a degree in speech communication in Idaho. College Of Western Idaho is a very large public school located in the rural area of Nampa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,446, with out-of-state students paying around $7,454. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $12,500. Speech Communication graduates of College Of Western Idaho earn a median of $40,963 early in their careers.
University Of Idaho came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Located in the town of Moscow, University Of Idaho is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,084, while out-of-state students pay about $28,320. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $23,844. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from University Of Idaho generally make around $43,246. That is a strong return on a $23,844 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Boise State University one of the best values for speech communication. Boise State University is a very large public school located in the city of Boise. In-state tuition and fees average $9,048, compared with $27,788 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,095 to complete the speech communication program here. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $37,954. That is a strong return on a $23,095 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
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The ranking above is published 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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.