Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Communication & Media Studies

Find Schools Near

2022 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Communication & Media Studies (Income $30-$48k) in the Plains States Region

24 Ranked Colleges
298 Degrees Awarded
$17,600 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Communications Schools for a Master's in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

Communication & Media Studies is one of the most popular majors in the nation, ranking 9th of all the majors we analyze. In 2019-2020, 68,079 degrees were awarded to students with this major. 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 Plains States region, there were 3,723 communication and media studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $34,583 and $25,858 respectively. At the master’s degree level specifically, there were 298 communication and media studies graduates with average earnings and debt of $53,438 and $39,783 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 24 colleges that offered a degree in communication and media studies. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great communication and media studies programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the communication and media studies program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

When choosing the right school for you, it’s important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we’ve created a number of major-specific rankings, including this “Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” list to help you make the college decision.

You can create your own custom comparison that focuses on the factors most important to you using our tool, College Combat. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The colleges and universities below are the best for plains states region master’s degree communications students whose families make $30-$48k.

Top 24 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Communication & Media Studies (Income $30-$48k) in the Plains States Region

#1

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
#1 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k. Minneapolis, Minnesota is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s communications degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

UMN Twin Cities not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #1 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UMN Twin Cities are $28,845.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at UMN Twin Cities

Out of the 24 schools in the Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Missouri - Columbia landed the #2 spot on the list. University of Missouri - Columbia is a large school located in Columbia, Missouri that handed out 2 masters’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Mizzou, the school also landed the #0 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Mizzou are $27,193, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#5 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend North Dakota State University - Main Campus. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k. This fairly large school is located in Fargo, North Dakota, and it awarded 12 masters’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

North Dakota State University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at North Dakota State University - Main Campus are $11,589.

Full North Dakota State University - Main Campus Communication & Media Studies Report

#4

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
#14 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Saint Cloud State University. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Saint Cloud State University is a public institution located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 11 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

St. Cloud State University also took the #14 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at St. Cloud State University are $12,904, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at St. Cloud State University

#16 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Nebraska at Omaha. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, this fairly large public school handed out 7 degrees to qualified masters’s communications students in 2019-2020.

UNOMAHA not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #16 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UNOMAHA are $16,374, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Nebraska at Omaha Communication & Media Studies Report

#6

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa
#8 in overall quality

University of Northern Iowa did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #6. University of Northern Iowa is a public institution located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 10 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UNI also took the #8 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UNI are $22,648.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at UNI

#7

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
#2 in overall quality

University of Iowa landed the #7 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of Iowa is a large school located in Iowa City, Iowa that handed out 5 masters’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

Iowa also made our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #2. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Iowa are $27,613, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

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

Minnesota State University - Mankato ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Mankato, Minnesota is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s communications degrees to 15 students in 2019-2020.

Minnesota State Mankato also took the #10 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Minnesota State University - Mankato are $8,788.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Minnesota State Mankato

#9

University of Missouri - St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri

University of Missouri - St Louis landed the #9 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of Missouri - St Louis is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 1 masters’s communications degrees to qualified students.

UMSL did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #0 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UMSL are $30,154, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at UMSL

#10

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, Kansas
#21 in overall quality

Pittsburg State University landed the #10 spot on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Pittsburg, Kansas, and it awarded 8 masters’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Pitt State, the school also landed the #21 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Pittsburg State University are $19,320, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Pittsburg State University

#11

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas
#12 in overall quality

With a ranking of #11, Kansas State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Manhattan, Kansas, this large public school handed out 10 degrees to qualified masters’s communications students in 2019-2020.

K -State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Kansas State University are $24,115, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full K -State Communication & Media Studies Report

#12

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, Missouri

With a ranking of #12, Lindenwood University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Lindenwood University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Saint Charles, Missouri. It awarded 31 masters’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

Lindenwood University also made our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #7. Average graduate tuition and fees at Lindenwood University are $9,550, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Lindenwood University Communication & Media Studies Report

#13

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri

University of Central Missouri came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of Central Missouri is a medium-sized school located in Warrensburg, Missouri that handed out 18 masters’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCM, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Central Missouri are $16,394, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of Central Missouri Communication & Media Studies Report

#14

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas
#4 in overall quality

With a ranking of #14, University of Kansas did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, this large public school handed out 5 diplomas to qualified masters’s communications students in 2019-2020.

KU also took the #4 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at KU are $25,007, but some majors have different tuition rates.

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

#15

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
#6 in overall quality

Saint Louis University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Saint Louis, Missouri is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out masters’s communications degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree communications students whose families make $30-$48k list, SLU has also earned the #6 rank in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Saint Louis University are $22,074.

Full SLU Communication & Media Studies Report

Missouri State University - Springfield came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Springfield, Missouri is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s communications degrees to 8 students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree communications students whose families make $30-$48k list, Missouri State has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Missouri State University - Springfield are $12,042, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Missouri State Communication & Media Studies Report

#17

South Dakota State University

Brookings, South Dakota
#11 in overall quality

South Dakota State University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Brookings, South Dakota, and it awarded 14 masters’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree communications students whose families make $30-$48k list, South Dakota State has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at South Dakota State University are $16,743.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at South Dakota State

#18

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas

With a ranking of #18, Wichita State University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. WSU is located in Wichita, Kansas and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 9 masters’s communications degrees to qualified students.

WSU did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at WSU are $15,112.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Wichita State University

#19

Drury University

Springfield, Missouri
#17 in overall quality

Drury University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #19. Located in Springfield, Missouri, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 9 degrees to qualified masters’s communications students in 2019-2020.

Drury University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #17 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Drury University are $8,515, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at Drury University

#20

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota
#13 in overall quality

With a ranking of #20, University of South Dakota did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This medium-sized school is located in Vermillion, South Dakota, and it awarded 3 masters’s communications degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at USD, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of South Dakota are $12,637, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of South Dakota Communication & Media Studies Report

#21

Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa

Drake University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Des Moines, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 20 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Drake did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Drake are $11,932, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at Drake

#22

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Bethel University Minnesota did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #22. Bethel University Minnesota is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 masters’s communications degrees to qualified students.

Bethel University Minnesota also made our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #0. Average graduate tuition and fees at Bethel University Minnesota are $11,700, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Communication & Media Studies at Bethel University Minnesota

#23

Webster University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Webster University ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Webster University is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 16 masters’s communications degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Webster, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Webster are $13,500.

Read more about Communication & Media Studies at Webster

#24

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, Iowa
#22 in overall quality

University of Dubuque came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communications Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Dubuque, Iowa is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out masters’s communications degrees to 4 students in 2019-2020.

UD did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #22 on our “Best Communication & Media Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Dubuque are $13,140, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of Dubuque Communication & Media Studies Report

Switch to a Different Ranking Method

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.

Credits

Featured Communications / Public Relations Schools

Find Schools Near You