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2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

29 Ranked Colleges
1,755 Degrees Awarded
$12,200 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. 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 Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

In 2020-2021, 22,298 people earned their degree in communication sciences, making the major the 47th most popular in the United States. In 2019-2020, communication sciences graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $47,173 and had an average of $22,255 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Plains States region, there were 1,755 communication sciences graduates with average earnings and debt of $48,837 and $22,401 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 29 colleges that offered a degree in communication sciences. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality communication sciences programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the communication sciences program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

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Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The colleges and universities below are the best for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Communication Sciences (Income $30-$48k) in the Plains States Region

1

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Washington University in St Louis. The school came in at #1 for the Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k. WUSTL is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 32 ’s communication sciences degrees to qualified students.

WUSTL also took the #1 spot in our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend WUSTL is $2,446 for Plains States Region Communication Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.1% 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%. Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%.

Read more about Communication Sciences at Washington University in St Louis

2

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. UMN Twin Cities is a large public school situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It awarded 87 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

UMN Twin Cities did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #3 on our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. It costs about $8,609 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.7% 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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 93%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Communication Sciences Report

3

Out of the 29 schools in the Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Minnesota - Duluth landed the #3 spot on the list. Located in Duluth, Minnesota, this medium-sized public school handed out 55 diplomas to qualified ’s communication sciences students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k list, UMN Duluth has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UMN Duluth is $8,697 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.6% 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 Sciences at University of Minnesota - Duluth

4
Truman State crest
Truman State University
Kirksville, Missouri

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Truman State University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. This small school is located in Kirksville, Missouri, and it awarded 59 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k list, Truman State has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $8,898 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Truman State University.

With a freshman retention rate of 88%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Communication Sciences at Truman State University

5
MSU crest
Minot State University
Minot, North Dakota

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Minot State University. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k. Located in Minot, North Dakota, this small public school awarded 43 degrees to qualified ’s communication sciences students in 2020-2021.

MSU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #22 on our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Minot State University is $9,060 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Communication Sciences at MSU

6
UND crest
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota

University of North Dakota ranked #6 on this year’s Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Grand Forks, North Dakota is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s communication sciences degrees to 49 students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UND, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $13,151 for Plains States Region Communication Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of North Dakota.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Communication Sciences at UND

7

University of Missouri - Columbia did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #7. Located in Columbia, Missouri, this large public school awarded 62 diplomas to qualified ’s communication sciences students in 2020-2021.

Mizzou not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #9 on our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The yearly cost to attend University of Missouri - Columbia is $11,386 for Plains States Region Communication Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Communication Sciences at University of Missouri - Columbia

8

Minnesota State University - Mankato landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Minnesota State University - Mankato is located in Mankato, Minnesota and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 89 ’s communication sciences degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Minnesota State Mankato, the school also landed the #10 spot in our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Minnesota State University - Mankato is $12,263 for Plains States Region Communication Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Minnesota State University - Mankato Communication Sciences Report

9

Missouri State University - Springfield did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #9. Missouri State is a public institution located in Springfield, Missouri. The school has a large population, and it awarded 129 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Missouri State also made our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #6. The yearly cost to attend Missouri State is $13,144 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.9% 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%.

Full Missouri State University - Springfield Communication Sciences Report

10
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa

University of Iowa landed the #10 spot on the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Iowa City, Iowa, this large public school handed out 123 diplomas to qualified ’s communication sciences students in 2020-2021.

Iowa not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Iowa is $15,508 for Plains States Region Communication Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% 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%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 88%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on Communication Sciences at University of Iowa

11

University of Northern Iowa came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UNI is a medium-sized school located in Cedar Falls, Iowa that handed out 96 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

UNI also made our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #12. The estimated yearly cost for University of Northern Iowa is $13,175 for Plains States Region Communication Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Communication Sciences at UNI

12
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas

University of Kansas did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #12. University of Kansas is a large school located in Lawrence, Kansas that handed out 109 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at KU, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $16,288 for Plains States Region Communication Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of Kansas.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Communication Sciences at KU

13

University of Nebraska - Lincoln did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #13. University of Nebraska - Lincoln is a large school located in Lincoln, Nebraska that handed out 95 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

UNL not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Nebraska - Lincoln is $13,453 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Communication Sciences at University of Nebraska - Lincoln

14
UMary crest
University of Mary
Bismarck, North Dakota

University of Mary ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. UMary is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Bismarck, North Dakota. It awarded 30 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

UMary also took the #14 spot in our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $15,600 for Plains States Region Communication Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of Mary.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.0% 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 Sciences at University of Mary

15
St. Cloud State University crest
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, Minnesota

With a ranking of #15, Saint Cloud State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. St. Cloud State University is a fairly large public school situated in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. It awarded 33 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

St. Cloud State University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #23 on our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. It costs about $10,825 for Plains States Region Communication Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend St. Cloud State University.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Saint Cloud State University Communication Sciences Report

16

Fort Hays State University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. FHSU is a fairly large school located in Hays, Kansas that handed out 39 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for FHSU is $10,847 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full FHSU Communication Sciences Report

17

With a ranking of #17, Minnesota State University - Moorhead did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. MSU Moorhead is a medium-sized public school situated in Moorhead, Minnesota. It awarded 61 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

MSU Moorhead also took the #20 spot in our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Minnesota State University - Moorhead is $14,194 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Communication Sciences at Minnesota State University - Moorhead

18
Southeast Missouri State University crest
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Southeast Missouri State University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 37 ’s communication sciences degrees to qualified students.

The estimated yearly cost for Southeast Missouri State University is $11,406 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Communication Sciences at Southeast Missouri State University

19

Wichita State University ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Wichita, Kansas is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s communication sciences degrees to 57 students in 2020-2021.

WSU also took the #21 spot in our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $12,272 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Wichita State University.

Read more about Communication Sciences at Wichita State University

20
Rockhurst crest
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, Missouri

With a ranking of #20, Rockhurst University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Rockhurst is a small school located in Kansas City, Missouri that handed out 51 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

Rockhurst not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Rockhurst is $15,034 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

With a freshman retention rate of 88%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Communication Sciences at Rockhurst

21
UCM crest
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri

University of Central Missouri landed the #21 spot on the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of Central Missouri is a public institution located in Warrensburg, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 42 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $12,120 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UCM.

Read more about Communication Sciences at UCM

22
Fontbonne University crest
Fontbonne University
Saint Louis, Missouri

Fontbonne University landed the #22 spot on the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This small school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 50 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

Fontbonne University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #24 on our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The yearly cost to attend Fontbonne University is $11,443 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools. The low undergrad 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%.

Full Fontbonne University Communication Sciences Report

23
USD crest
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota

University of South Dakota came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. USD is a medium-sized school located in Vermillion, South Dakota that handed out 62 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

USD did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #17 on our “Best Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of South Dakota is $17,294 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Communication Sciences at University of South Dakota

24

With a ranking of #24, University of Nebraska at Kearney did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Nebraska at Kearney is a medium-sized public school situated in Kearney, Nebraska. It awarded 46 ’s communication sciences degrees in 2020-2021.

It costs about $14,018 for Plains States Region Communication Sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of Nebraska at Kearney.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.1%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full University of Nebraska at Kearney Communication Sciences Report

25
K -State crest
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas

Kansas State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Communication Sciences Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #25. Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, Kansas and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 36 ’s communication sciences degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $14,653 for plains states region communication sciences students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend K -State.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% 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 full report on Communication Sciences at K -State

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