by our College Data Analytics Team
[Value](/majors/communication-journalism-media/public-relations-advertising/communication-management-and-strategic-communications/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 15 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value value schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Towson University the best value for a degree in value in the Middle Atlantic Region. Set in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $21,241. Early-career value graduates make about $50,370. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Wilmington University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Located in the suburb of New Castle, Wilmington University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $32,308 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Wilmington University generally make around $40,408. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Suny At Fredonia one of the best values for value. Suny At Fredonia is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Fredonia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,831, compared with $19,771 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $23,450 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Suny At Fredonia generally make around $33,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Fredonia admits about 78% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Suny College At Oswego one of the best values for value. Located in the town of Oswego, Suny College At Oswego is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,825 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,735 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $26,000. Early-career value graduates make about $37,203. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Canisius College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the city of Buffalo, Canisius College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,200 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,673 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $42,672. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
1
2
3
4
5
Fashion Institute Of Technology placed #6 among the best values for value. Located in the city of New York, Fashion Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,174 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,696 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $16,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Fashion Institute Of Technology generally make around $28,928. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. Fashion Institute Of Technology admits about 60% of applicants.
Temple University earned the #7 position for value in value this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $26,000. Value graduates of Temple University earn a median of $54,642 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Scranton placed #8 among the best values for value. Located in the city of Scranton, University Of Scranton is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. Typical student debt for value graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from University Of Scranton generally make around $35,568. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Drexel University placed #9 among the best values for value. Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Typical student debt for value graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Drexel University generally make around $41,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%.
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 · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.