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 16 schools to find the best return on investment for speech communication students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the speech communication degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Rochester Community And Technical College the best value for a degree in speech communication in Minnesota. Rochester Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Rochester. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,389. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $20,291 in student loans. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $27,798. Set against $20,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Bemidji State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Bemidji State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Bemidji. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $20,875. Speech Communication graduates of Bemidji State University earn a median of $34,243 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants.
Minnesota State University Moorhead is a great value for students pursuing a degree in speech communication, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Moorhead, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $23,774. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $36,172. Set against $23,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%.
Students looking for strong value in speech communication will find it at Winona State University, which ranked #4. Winona State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Winona. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $25,250. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $38,197. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants.
University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Set in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $24,182 in student loans. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $39,706. That is a strong return on a $24,182 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.
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Minnesota State University Mankato placed #6 among the best values for speech communication. Located in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the speech communication program here. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $39,798. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants.
Hamline University placed #7 among the best values for speech communication. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Hamline University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Speech Communication graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Speech Communication graduates of Hamline University earn a median of $42,201 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants.
Augsburg College earned the #8 position for value in speech communication this year. Augsburg College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Minneapolis. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,452. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the speech communication program here. Speech Communication graduates of Augsburg College earn a median of $36,604 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augsburg College admits about 82% of applicants.
Gustavus Adolphus College came in at #9 for value in speech communication this year. Set in the town of Saint Peter, Gustavus Adolphus College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,076. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $27,000. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $50,074. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Saint Johns University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Set in the rural area of Collegeville, Saint Johns University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,816 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from Saint Johns University generally make around $40,423. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
College Of Saint Benedict came in at #11 for value in speech communication this year. Set in the suburb of Saint Joseph, College Of Saint Benedict is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,756. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $27,000. Speech Communication graduates of College Of Saint Benedict earn a median of $45,702 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. College Of Saint Benedict admits about 92% of applicants.
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #12 among the best values for speech communication. Located in the city of Saint Paul, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,398. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the speech communication program here. Early-career speech communication graduates make about $45,100. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 16 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.