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2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k

17 Ranked Colleges
142 Degrees Awarded
$28,200 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

With 68,079 degrees handed out in 2019-2020, communication and media studies is the 9th most popular major in the United States. 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 Southeast region, there were 14,617 communication and media studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $29,483 and $26,130 respectively. At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 142 communication and media studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $71,978 and $116,300 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, we looked at 17 colleges that offer 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.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the communication and media studies program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank Communication & Media Studies Schools

The communications school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k”.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 17 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Communication & Media Studies (Income $30-$48k) in the Southeast Region

#1

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida
#3 in overall quality

Out of the 17 schools in the Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Florida landed the #1 spot on the list. UF is a large school located in Gainesville, Florida that handed out 13 doctorate’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

UF not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UF are $30,130, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of Florida Communication & Media Studies Report

#2

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Out of the 17 schools in the Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill landed the #2 spot on the list. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public institution located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 11 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UNC Chapel Hill not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UNC Chapel Hill are $30,248, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Communication & Media Studies Report

#3

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee
#3 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Vanderbilt University. It ranked #3 on our 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Vanderbilt did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Vanderbilt University are $50,624, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Vanderbilt

#4

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida
#11 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Florida State University. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k. This large school is located in Tallahassee, Florida, and it awarded 4 doctorate’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

Florida State also took the #11 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Florida State University are $26,707, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Florida State Communication & Media Studies Report

#8 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of South Florida - Main Campus. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k. University of South Florida - Main Campus is a large public school situated in Tampa, Florida. It awarded 8 doctorate’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at USF Tampa, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at USF Tampa are $21,126, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of South Florida - Main Campus Communication & Media Studies Report

#6

University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia

With a ranking of #6, University of Georgia did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Athens, Georgia, this large public school awarded 10 degrees to qualified doctorate’s communications students in 2019-2020.

UGA did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UGA are $27,476, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at University of Georgia

#7

West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia
#10 in overall quality

West Virginia University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #7. This large school is located in Morgantown, West Virginia, and it awarded 5 doctorate’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

WVU also took the #10 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at WVU are $26,154.

Full West Virginia University Communication & Media Studies Report

#9 in overall quality

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #8. Located in Knoxville, Tennessee, this large public school handed out 6 degrees to qualified doctorate’s communications students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree communications students whose families make $30-$48k list, UT Knoxville has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UT Knoxville are $31,798, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

#9

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky
#7 in overall quality

University of Kentucky came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of Kentucky is a large public school situated in Lexington, Kentucky. It awarded 9 doctorate’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

UK not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #7 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UK are $33,216, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at UK

#6 in overall quality

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Louisiana State University is a large school located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that handed out 9 doctorate’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

Louisiana State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Louisiana State University are $29,970, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

#11

University of Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee
#12 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, University of Memphis did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Memphis is located in Memphis, Tennessee and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 10 doctorate’s communications degrees to qualified students.

UofM did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UofM are $14,202, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at UofM

#12

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi
#14 in overall quality

University of Southern Mississippi ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Southern Mississippi is a fairly large school located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi that handed out 7 doctorate’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

Southern Miss also took the #14 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Southern Mississippi are $10,896, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at University of Southern Mississippi

#13

University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina
#12 in overall quality

University of South Carolina - Columbia came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Columbia, South Carolina, and it awarded 2 doctorate’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

UofSC also made our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #12. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of South Carolina - Columbia are $30,160.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at University of South Carolina - Columbia

#14

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, Alabama
#5 in overall quality

The University of Alabama landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Tuscaloosa, Alabama is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s communications degrees to 8 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our southeast region doctor’s degree communications students whose families make $30-$48k list, UA has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at The University of Alabama are $30,940, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at UA

#15

Georgia State University

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #15. Georgia State University is a large school located in Atlanta, Georgia that handed out 8 doctorate’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

Georgia State also took the #15 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Georgia State are $24,790.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at Georgia State

#16

Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Regent University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 22 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Regent also made our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” list, coming in at #13. Average graduate tuition and fees at Regent are $17,052, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Regent University Communication & Media Studies Report

#17

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida
#4 in overall quality

University of Miami ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools for a Doctorate in the Southeast Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Coral Gables, Florida is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s communications degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

U Miami also took the #4 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Doctor’s Degree Schools in the Southeast Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at U Miami are $40,220.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at University of Miami

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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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