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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Speech Communication Schools in Tennessee

6 Colleges in the United States
$22,257 Avg Student Debt
$59,013 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.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find the best return on investment for speech communication students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Speech Communication Schools in Tennessee

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

For return on investment in speech communication, no school beat Middle Tennessee State University this year. Set in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $24,329 in student loans. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University generally make around $29,877. That is a strong return on a $24,329 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Tennessee earned it the #2 place for speech communication. The University Of Tennessee is a very large public school located in the city of Knoxville. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $20,875 in student loans. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $41,258. Set against $20,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted.

3

A rank of #3 makes Bryan College Dayton one of the best values for speech communication. Bryan College Dayton is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Dayton. In-state tuition and fees average $19,800. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $25,652 in student loans. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $44,067. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4
Vanderbilt University crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Students looking for strong value in speech communication will find it at Vanderbilt University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Nashville, Vanderbilt University is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete the speech communication program here. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $77,997. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 6%.

5
Carson Newman College crest
Carson Newman College
Jefferson City, TN

Carson Newman College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Set in the suburb of Jefferson City, Carson Newman College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,700. Students borrow a median of $20,235 to complete the speech communication program here. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $28,221. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carson Newman College admits about 90% of applicants.

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6
Union University crest
Union University
Jackson, TN

Union University came in at #6 for value in speech communication this year. Set in the city of Jackson, Union University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,398 in tuition and fees. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $28,605 in student loans. Speech Communication graduates of Union University earn a median of $68,508 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%.

7
Belmont University crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN

Belmont University earned the #7 position for value in speech communication this year. Set in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,540 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $22,125. Speech Communication graduates of Belmont University earn a median of $41,889 early in their careers. Set against $22,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

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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 · 12 schools evaluated.

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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