2026 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

Truman State University earned the #1 spot for value among communication sciences schools in the The Plains States Region. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Typical student debt for communication sciences graduates is $19,875. Early-career communication sciences graduates make about $54,575. Set against $19,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

2

Minot State University
Minot, ND

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minot State University earned it the #2 place for communication sciences. Located in the city of Minot, Minot State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Communication Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,788 in student loans. Communication Sciences graduates of Minot State University earn a median of $61,193 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%.

3

Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fort Hays State University earned it the #3 place for communication sciences. Fort Hays State University is a large public school located in the town of Hays. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete the communication sciences program here. Early-career communication sciences graduates make about $49,775. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants.

4

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value communication sciences schools. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Typical student debt for communication sciences graduates is $18,067. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $35,641. That is a strong return on a $18,067 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

5

Wichita State University
Wichita, KS

Wichita State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in communication sciences, landing the #5 spot this year. Wichita State University is a large public school located in the city of Wichita. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,750 to complete the communication sciences program here. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from Wichita State University generally make around $38,154. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants.

6

Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value communication sciences schools. Saint Cloud State University is a large public school located in the city of Saint Cloud. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Typical student debt for communication sciences graduates is $17,637. Communication Sciences graduates of Saint Cloud State University earn a median of $54,826 early in their careers. Set against $17,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

7

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned the #7 position for value in communication sciences this year. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical student debt for communication sciences graduates is $18,000. Early-career communication sciences graduates make about $41,060. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.

8

University Of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO

University Of Central Missouri came in at #8 for value in communication sciences this year. University Of Central Missouri is a large public school located in the town of Warrensburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communication sciences graduates is $24,304. Early-career communication sciences graduates make about $56,152. That is a strong return on a $24,304 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

9

Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO

Southeast Missouri State University placed #9 among the best values for communication sciences. Southeast Missouri State University is a large public school located in the city of Cape Girardeau. In-state tuition and fees average $9,903. Communication Sciences graduates carry a median of $17,781 in student loans. Communication Sciences graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of $51,664 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,781 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%.

10

University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value communication sciences schools. University Of Kansas is a very large public school located in the city of Lawrence. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical student debt for communication sciences graduates is $23,781. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from University Of Kansas generally make around $43,114. Set against $23,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants.

11

University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney earned the #11 position for value in communication sciences this year. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Kearney. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Typical student debt for communication sciences graduates is $21,970. Communication Sciences graduates of University Of Nebraska At Kearney earn a median of $56,306 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,970 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants.

12

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #12 for value in communication sciences this year. Located in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,876 to complete the communication sciences program here. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from University Of Nebraska Lincoln generally make around $51,334. Set against $18,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

13

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield placed #13 among the best values for communication sciences. Set in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the communication sciences program here. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $41,274. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

14

Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #14 for value in communication sciences this year. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Moorhead. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Communication Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career communication sciences graduates make about $61,485. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants.

15

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University placed #15 among the best values for communication sciences. Kansas State University is a very large public school located in the city of Manhattan. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Communication Sciences graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Communication Sciences graduates of Kansas State University earn a median of $51,543 early in their careers. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

16

Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, MO

Fontbonne University landed the #16 spot for communication sciences value this year. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, Fontbonne University is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,976. Typical student debt for communication sciences graduates is $33,503. Early-career communication sciences graduates make about $56,540. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

University Of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth earned the #17 position for value in communication sciences this year. Located in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. Communication Sciences graduates carry a median of $21,164 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Duluth generally make around $55,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

18

University Of Mary
Bismarck, ND

University Of Mary earned the #18 position for value in communication sciences this year. University Of Mary is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Bismarck. In-state tuition and fees average $22,356. Typical student debt for communication sciences graduates is $26,983. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from University Of Mary generally make around $65,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Mary admits about 75% of applicants.

19

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato earned the #19 position for value in communication sciences this year. Located in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Communication Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Communication Sciences graduates of Minnesota State University Mankato earn a median of $57,858 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

20

University Of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND

University Of North Dakota earned the #20 position for value in communication sciences this year. Located in the city of Grand Forks, University Of North Dakota is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Communication Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from University Of North Dakota generally make around $59,300. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants.

21

University Of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD

University Of South Dakota earned the #21 position for value in communication sciences this year. Set in the town of Vermillion, University Of South Dakota is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Communication Sciences graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from University Of South Dakota generally make around $59,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants.

22

University Of Missouri Columbia
Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia earned the #22 position for value in communication sciences this year. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for communication sciences graduates is $24,500. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $54,674. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

23

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa earned the #23 position for value in communication sciences this year. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Communication Sciences graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career communication sciences graduates make about $40,392. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

24

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis earned the #24 position for value in communication sciences this year. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $65,790 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete the communication sciences program here. Soon after graduation, communication sciences degree recipients from Washington University In St Louis generally make around $75,877. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.

25

Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA

Saint Ambrose University landed the #25 spot for communication sciences value this year. Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Davenport. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,658. Students borrow a median of $27,528 to complete the communication sciences program here. Early-career communication sciences graduates make about $56,535. Set against $27,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Ambrose University admits about 77% of applicants.