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

5 Colleges in the United States
$23,716 Avg Student Debt
$57,766 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Speech Communication Badge [Speech Communication](/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 20 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 Iowa

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in speech communication, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Speech Communication Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Northern Iowa the best value for a degree in speech communication in Iowa. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $19,387. Speech Communication graduates of University Of Northern Iowa earn a median of $40,558 early in their careers. Set against $19,387 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

2

A rank of #2 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for speech communication. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $19,425 to complete the speech communication program here. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $40,497. That is a strong return on a $19,425 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.

3
University Of Iowa crest
University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $25,814. Speech Communication graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $37,647 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

4
Central College crest
Central College
Pella, IA

Central College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Located in the town of Pella, Central College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $20,988. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the speech communication program here. Speech Communication graduates of Central College earn a median of $39,953 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

5

Students looking for strong value in speech communication will find it at University Of Dubuque, which ranked #5. University Of Dubuque is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dubuque. Students from in state pay about $42,095 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $27,204. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from University Of Dubuque generally make around $53,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

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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 · 20 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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