2026 Best Value Communication & Journalism Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM

Leading the list is Central New Mexico Community College, our #1 best value for communication & journalism in the Southwest Region. Set in the city of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Students borrow a median of $10,112 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Central New Mexico Community College generally make around $34,751. That is a strong return on a $10,112 median debt.

2

Austin Community College District
Austin, TX

A rank of #2 makes Austin Community College District one of the best values for communication & journalism. Located in the city of Austin, Austin Community College District is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Students borrow a median of $8,627 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $26,951. That is a strong return on a $8,627 median debt.

3

Alvin Community College
Alvin, TX

A rank of #3 makes Alvin Community College one of the best values for communication & journalism. Alvin Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Alvin. Students from in state pay about $1,906 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,402. Typical student debt for communication & journalism graduates is $8,600. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Alvin Community College generally make around $55,057. Set against $8,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Texas A And M International University
Laredo, TX

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas A And M International University earned it the #4 place for communication & journalism. Located in the city of Laredo, Texas A And M International University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,894, with out-of-state students paying around $19,454. Students borrow a median of $17,100 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Communication & Journalism graduates of Texas A And M International University earn a median of $22,430 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 44%.

5

South Texas College
McAllen, TX

South Texas College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in communication & journalism, landing the #5 spot this year. South Texas College is a very large public school located in the city of McAllen. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,920, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $6,868 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Communication & Journalism graduates of South Texas College earn a median of $30,227 early in their careers. Set against $6,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX

Del Mar College earned the #6 position for value in communication & journalism this year. Del Mar College is a large public school located in the city of Corpus Christi. Students from in state pay about $3,500 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,050. Communication & Journalism graduates carry a median of $7,476 in student loans. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $40,661. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Oklahoma City Community College
Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City Community College landed the #7 spot for communication & journalism value this year. Set in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,059, compared with $9,810 for out-of-state students. Communication & Journalism graduates carry a median of $8,250 in student loans. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $39,848. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Amarillo College
Amarillo, TX

Amarillo College placed #8 among the best values for communication & journalism. Located in the city of Amarillo, Amarillo College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, with out-of-state students paying around $4,704. Communication & Journalism graduates carry a median of $15,720 in student loans. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $41,053. That is a strong return on a $15,720 median debt.

9

Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK

Tulsa Community College placed #9 among the best values for communication & journalism. Located in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,792 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,720. Students borrow a median of $15,789 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Tulsa Community College generally make around $41,718. That is a strong return on a $15,789 median debt.

10

Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK

Southeastern Oklahoma State University landed the #10 spot for communication & journalism value this year. Set in the town of Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,200 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,410. Typical student debt for communication & journalism graduates is $18,660. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Southeastern Oklahoma State University generally make around $51,797. That is a strong return on a $18,660 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

11

The University Of Texas Pan American
Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American placed #11 among the best values for communication & journalism. Located in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Typical student debt for communication & journalism graduates is $11,956. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $26,748. That is a strong return on a $11,956 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.

12

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Portales, NM

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & journalism schools. Located in the town of Portales, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Students borrow a median of $20,054 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus generally make around $41,109. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.

13

El Paso Community College
El Paso, TX

El Paso Community College placed #13 among the best values for communication & journalism. Located in the city of El Paso, El Paso Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,274, with out-of-state students paying around $5,314. Students borrow a median of $8,542 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Communication & Journalism graduates of El Paso Community College earn a median of $17,558 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt.

14

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #14 spot for communication & journalism value this year. Set in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Typical student debt for communication & journalism graduates is $18,250. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from New Mexico State University Main Campus generally make around $32,825. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New Mexico State University Main Campus admits about 89% of applicants.

15

University Of North Texas At Dallas
Dallas, TX

University Of North Texas At Dallas placed #15 among the best values for communication & journalism. University Of North Texas At Dallas is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Dallas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,595, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

16

Houston Community College
Houston, TX

Houston Community College placed #16 among the best values for communication & journalism. Set in the city of Houston, Houston Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,040, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Communication & Journalism graduates carry a median of $19,223 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Houston Community College generally make around $40,365. Set against $19,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

17

University Of Houston Victoria
Victoria, TX

University Of Houston Victoria placed #17 among the best values for communication & journalism. Located in the city of Victoria, University Of Houston Victoria is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,149, compared with $16,941 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communication & journalism graduates is $20,625. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from University Of Houston Victoria generally make around $47,345. That is a strong return on a $20,625 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

18

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin
Odessa, TX

The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin earned the #18 position for value in communication & journalism this year. Located in the city of Odessa, The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,607, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Typical student debt for communication & journalism graduates is $22,852. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $46,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

19

Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX

Lone Star College System earned the #19 position for value in communication & journalism this year. Located in the city of The Woodlands, Lone Star College System is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. Communication & Journalism graduates carry a median of $10,425 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Lone Star College System generally make around $39,954. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20

University Of Houston Clear Lake
Houston, TX

University Of Houston Clear Lake earned the #20 position for value in communication & journalism this year. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. Typical student debt for communication & journalism graduates is $19,829. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from University Of Houston Clear Lake generally make around $28,566. Set against $19,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Clear Lake admits about 90% of applicants.

21

Tyler Junior College
Tyler, TX

Tyler Junior College came in at #21 for value in communication & journalism this year. Tyler Junior College is a large public school located in the city of Tyler. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Communication & Journalism graduates carry a median of $14,869 in student loans. Communication & Journalism graduates of Tyler Junior College earn a median of $43,348 early in their careers. Set against $14,869 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22

The University Of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

The University Of Texas At San Antonio earned the #22 position for value in communication & journalism this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,326, compared with $22,249 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,923 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from The University Of Texas At San Antonio generally make around $37,858. Set against $22,923 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.

23

The University Of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX

The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & journalism schools. Set in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. Students borrow a median of $21,982 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Communication & Journalism graduates of The University Of Texas At El Paso earn a median of $31,959 early in their careers. Set against $21,982 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%.

24

East Central University
Ada, OK

East Central University placed #24 among the best values for communication & journalism. Set in the town of Ada, East Central University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,032, with out-of-state students paying around $17,842. Typical student debt for communication & journalism graduates is $24,571. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $24,638. Set against $24,571 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Central University admits about 58% of applicants.

25

Rose State College
Midwest City, OK

Rose State College landed the #25 spot for communication & journalism value this year. Located in the suburb of Midwest City, Rose State College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,030, compared with $11,407 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communication & journalism graduates is $13,451. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Rose State College generally make around $50,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.