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2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k

59 Ranked Colleges
6,313 Degrees Awarded
$8,800 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking - to help you make that decision.

In 2019-2020, 68,079 communication and media studies students received their degree, making the major the 9th most popular in the country. In 2017-2018, communication and media studies graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $32,728 and had an average of $24,931 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Southwest region, there were 6,313 communication and media studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $32,423 and $24,273 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking analyzed 59 colleges that offered a degree in communication and media studies. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent communication and media studies programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

Some of the factors we look at when determining these rankings are overall quality of the communication and media studies program at the school and the cost of the school after aid is awarded among other things. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k.

Top 26 Best Value Colleges for Communication & Media Studies (Income $0-$30k) in the Southwest Region

#1

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Out of the 59 schools in the Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Central New Mexico Community College landed the #1 spot on the list. This large school is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and it awarded 100 ’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

CNM did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Central New Mexico Community College is $2,604 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Central New Mexico Community College Communication & Media Studies Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k. UT Rio Grande Valley is located in Edinburg, Texas and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 145 ’s communications degrees to qualified students.

UT Rio Grande Valley did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #25 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for UT Rio Grande Valley is $2,993 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low student loan default rate of 4.8% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at UT Rio Grande Valley

#3

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Arizona. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k. University of Arizona is located in Tucson, Arizona and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 284 ’s communications degrees to qualified students.

University of Arizona also made our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” list, coming in at #6. The estimated yearly cost for University of Arizona is $10,562 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students.

Full University of Arizona Communication & Media Studies Report

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Texas A&M University - College Station. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k. Texas A&M University - College Station is located in College Station, Texas and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 381 ’s communications degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k list, Texas A&M College Station has also earned the #2 rank in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Texas A&M University - College Station is $11,454 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at Texas A&M University - College Station

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Arizona State University - Tempe. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Arizona State University - Tempe is a large school located in Tempe, Arizona that handed out 473 ’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

ASU - Tempe also took the #8 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Arizona State University - Tempe is $7,044 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at ASU - Tempe

The University of Texas at San Antonio landed the #6 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. UTSA is a public institution located in San Antonio, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 304 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UTSA also made our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” list, coming in at #17. It costs about $10,516 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UTSA.

Full The University of Texas at San Antonio Communication & Media Studies Report

#7

Trinity University

San Antonio, Texas

Trinity University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #7. Located in San Antonio, Texas, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 40 diplomas to qualified ’s communications students in 2019-2020.

Trinity U also took the #4 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Trinity U is $12,373 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students. The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Trinity University

The University of Texas at Austin came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. UT Austin is a public institution located in Austin, Texas. The school has a large population, and it awarded 272 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k list, UT Austin has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” ranking. It costs about $12,203 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UT Austin.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 97%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low student loan default rate of 2.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at The University of Texas at Austin

With a ranking of #9, Texas A&M International University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Laredo, Texas, this medium-sized public school awarded 36 degrees to qualified ’s communications students in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for Texas A&M International University is $2,261 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Texas A&M International University Communication & Media Studies Report

Southeastern Oklahoma State University ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Durant, Oklahoma. It awarded 12 ’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for Southeastern Oklahoma State University is $6,102 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Southeastern Oklahoma State University

#11

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas

With a ranking of #11, Texas Tech University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Texas Tech is a large public school situated in Lubbock, Texas. It awarded 147 ’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

Texas Tech not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #14 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Texas Tech is $12,317 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students.

Full Texas Tech University Communication & Media Studies Report

#12

MSU Texas

Wichita Falls, Texas

MSU Texas landed the #12 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. MSU Texas is a public institution located in Wichita Falls, Texas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 27 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for MSU Texas is $7,703 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at MSU Texas

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. UT Permian Basin is a public institution located in Odessa, Texas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 46 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UT Permian Basin also made our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” list, coming in at #22. The estimated yearly cost for UT Permian Basin is $7,889 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

#14

East Central University

Ada, Oklahoma

East Central University landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. ECU is a public institution located in Ada, Oklahoma. The school has a small population, and it awarded 22 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for ECU is $7,787 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at East Central University

#14

Arizona State University - Skysong

Scottsdale, Arizona

Arizona State University - Skysong did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #14. ASU - Skysong is located in Scottsdale, Arizona and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 588 ’s communications degrees to qualified students.

ASU - Skysong not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #9 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” list. The yearly cost to attend ASU - Skysong is $12,037 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at Arizona State University - Skysong

#15

University of Houston

Houston, Texas

University of Houston ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Houston, Texas, and it awarded 53 ’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k list, UH has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Houston is $10,203 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full UH Communication & Media Studies Report

The University of Texas at Tyler came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Tyler, Texas is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s communications degrees to 25 students in 2019-2020.

It costs about $6,797 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend The University of Texas at Tyler.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at UT Tyler

University of Houston - Clear Lake ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. UH Clear Lake is a public institution located in Houston, Texas. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 46 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UH Clear Lake, the school also landed the #23 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UH Clear Lake is $4,517 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at University of Houston - Clear Lake

University of Phoenix - Arizona did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #18. UOPX - Arizona is located in Tempe, Arizona and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 304 ’s communications degrees to qualified students.

UOPX - Arizona did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #11 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” list. It costs about $12,601 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend University of Phoenix - Arizona.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at UOPX - Arizona

#19

Angelo State University

San Angelo, Texas

Angelo State University came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Angelo State is a fairly large public school situated in San Angelo, Texas. It awarded 31 ’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Angelo State, the school also landed the #24 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Angelo State is $9,799 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Angelo State

#20

Texas State University

San Marcos, Texas

Texas State University landed the #20 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. San Marcos, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s communications degrees to 213 students in 2019-2020.

Texas State not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Texas State is $11,125 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at Texas State

Stephen F Austin State University landed the #21 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Nacogdoches, Texas, this fairly large public school handed out 83 diplomas to qualified ’s communications students in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for Stephen F Austin State University is $8,650 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Stephen F Austin State University

Texas A&M University - San Antonio landed the #22 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Texas A&M University - San Antonio is a medium-sized school located in San Antonio, Texas that handed out 51 ’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

The estimated yearly cost for Texas A&M San Antonio is $9,372 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Texas A&M University - San Antonio

The University of Texas at Arlington ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Arlington, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s communications degrees to 266 students in 2019-2020.

UT Arlington also took the #12 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend The University of Texas at Arlington is $11,811 for Southwest Region Communications students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington

#24

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas

Sam Houston State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #24. SHSU is a large school located in Huntsville, Texas that handed out 186 ’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

SHSU also made our “Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southwest Region” list, coming in at #21. It costs about $10,561 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Sam Houston State University.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Sam Houston State University

The University of Texas at El Paso landed the #25 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools in the Southwest Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. El Paso, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s communications degrees to 18 students in 2019-2020.

It costs about $7,092 for southwest region communications students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend The University of Texas at El Paso.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at UTEP

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Notes and References

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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