[Communication & Media Studies](/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/communication-and-media-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value communication & media studies schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the communication & media studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Central Connecticut State University earned the #1 spot for value among communication & media studies schools in Connecticut. Set in the suburb of New Britain, Central Connecticut State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,050, while out-of-state students pay about $16,550. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $23,250. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Central Connecticut State University generally make around $30,399. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Students looking for strong value in communication & media studies will find it at Southern Connecticut State University, which ranked #2. Located in the city of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,442, while out-of-state students pay about $16,942. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $26,000. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Southern Connecticut State University earn a median of $50,876 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.
A rank of #3 makes Quinnipiac University one of the best values for communication & media studies. Quinnipiac University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Hamden. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for communication & media studies graduates is $26,000. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Quinnipiac University earn a median of $37,199 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Sacred Heart University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in communication & media studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Fairfield, Sacred Heart University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,404. Communication & Media Studies graduates carry a median of $26,399 in student loans. Communication & Media Studies graduates of Sacred Heart University earn a median of $32,178 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
