2026 Best Value Speech Communication Schools in Iowa

[Speech Communication](/majors/communication-journalism-media/communication-media-studies/speech-communication/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 20 schools to find the best return on investment for speech communication students.
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2026 Best Value Speech Communication Schools in Iowa
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in speech communication, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Speech Communication Schools
Our analysis ranked University Of Northern Iowa the best value for a degree in speech communication in Iowa. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $19,387. Speech Communication graduates of University Of Northern Iowa earn a median of $40,558 early in their careers. Set against $19,387 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
A rank of #2 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for speech communication. Iowa State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ames. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $19,425 to complete the speech communication program here. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $40,497. That is a strong return on a $19,425 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.
University Of Iowa came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $25,814. Speech Communication graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $37,647 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Central College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value speech communication schools. Located in the town of Pella, Central College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $20,988. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the speech communication program here. Speech Communication graduates of Central College earn a median of $39,953 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in speech communication will find it at University Of Dubuque, which ranked #5. University Of Dubuque is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dubuque. Students from in state pay about $42,095 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for speech communication graduates is $27,204. Soon after graduation, speech communication degree recipients from University Of Dubuque generally make around $53,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
More Speech Communication Rankings
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 20 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 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.