Rankings / Value
Most Affordable Colleges for Communications
- 50
- Schools
- $55,754
- Avg. Earnings
- 58%
- Avg. Graduation
- $8,887
- Avg. Net Price
- $17,259
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $35,723 to $78,988, a 2.2× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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CUNY Bernard M Baruch College delivers the most for the money: roughly $75,971 in median earnings against $3,033 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, CUNY Hunter College ($2,984 net price), still posts $63,163 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates 92% of its students, versus a 58% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Berea College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.08× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ($75,971 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, San Jose State University ($78,988), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- CUNY Hunter College costs $2,984 a year and University of Georgia costs $13,936. Yet their graduates earn $63,163 and $68,726, nowhere near the $10,952 price gap.
- On value, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College beats San Jose State University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with CUNY Bernard M Baruch College and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
Business is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $57K within a decade, and pr specialist roles are projected to grow 6%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
- Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.
- National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College #1 overall | $75,971 ▲ +36% vs avg | $3,033 | 72% | 87 |
| 2 CUNY Hunter College #2 overall | $63,163 ▲ +13% vs avg | $2,984 | 59% | 86 |
| 3 CUNY Brooklyn College #3 overall | $60,752 ▲ +9% vs avg | $3,103 | 55% | 86 |
| $71,588 ▲ +28% vs avg | $6,541 | 91% | 85 | |
| $71,588 ▲ +28% vs avg | $4,815 | 81% | 82 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable Colleges for Communications
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $55,754 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 58% and an average net price of $8,887.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY Bernard M Baruch College — Net Price: $3,033 | Graduation Rate: 72%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — 92% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: San Jose State University — Median alumni earnings: $78,988
Research Note
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Humanities & Creative Fields Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the value of a humanities and creative education?
$56,545
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$9,346
Median net price
2.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Arts, communications, and humanities programs draw perpetual skepticism about their payoff. Early earnings do start lower, and the path is less linear. The core skills compound, though. Writing, judgment, persuasion, and creative problem-solving gain value over a career, and they are the abilities automation has been slowest to replicate.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $56,545 ten years after they first enrolled, about $8,545 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 56%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $9,346 a year, with about $17,622 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 43% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.9%.
What we’re seeing: outcomes in these fields vary widely, and affordability matters most precisely where early earnings start slow. Median earnings of $56,545 ten years after enrollment against a $9,346 net price show why low cost is the lever that turns a humanities degree into a clear win.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College lands at #1 with a 87/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (73/100). Graduates earn a median $75,971 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,033 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
CUNY Hunter College lands at #2 with a 86/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $63,163 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $2,984 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
CUNY Brooklyn College lands at #3 with a 86/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $60,752 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,103 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Florida lands at #4 with a 85/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (76/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,541 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of Florida-Online lands at #5 with a 82/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
CUNY City College lands at #6 with a 81/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $66,039 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,776 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Chapel Hill, NC · 15% accepted · $11,655 net
Why it ranks #7
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lands at #7 with a 79/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (77/100). Graduates earn a median $72,200 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,655 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Berea College lands at #8 with a 79/100 composite, led by value per dollar (89/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (68/100). Graduates earn a median $43,150 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,106 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Chickasha, OK · 66% accepted · $6,624 net
Why it ranks #9
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma lands at #9 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $41,913 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,624 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Florida International University lands at #10 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Florida Atlantic University lands at #11 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (69/100). Graduates earn a median $56,746 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,752 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of South Florida lands at #12 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $57,743 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,812 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Southeastern Oklahoma State University lands at #13 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $45,079 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,039 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Indiana University-Kokomo lands at #14 with a 78/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $49,917 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,968 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
University of Central Florida lands at #15 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Northern Kentucky University lands at #16 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $50,220 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,191 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Los Angeles, CA · 91% accepted · $3,967 net
Why it ranks #17
California State University-Los Angeles lands at #17 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,211 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,967 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of North Florida lands at #18 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $56,343 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,154 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
San Bernardino, CA · 94% accepted · $4,564 net
Why it ranks #19
California State University-San Bernardino lands at #19 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $59,977 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,564 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Murray State University lands at #20 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $44,737 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,096 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
California State University-Fullerton lands at #21 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $62,951 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,555 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Florida State University lands at #22 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (71/100). Graduates earn a median $61,675 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,297 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
The University of Texas at El Paso lands at #23 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $50,923 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,403 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
California State University-Stanislaus lands at #24 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (65/100). Graduates earn a median $63,188 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,067 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Kentucky State University lands at #25 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,382 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,040 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
University of North Georgia lands at #26 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $50,135 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,823 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Bakersfield, CA · 94% accepted · $5,652 net
Why it ranks #27
California State University-Bakersfield lands at #27 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $59,009 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $5,652 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Northridge, CA · 93% accepted · $7,021 net
Why it ranks #28
California State University-Northridge lands at #28 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $59,115 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,021 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
University of Georgia lands at #29 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (73/100). Graduates earn a median $68,726 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,936 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
San Antonio, TX · 87% accepted · $10,836 net
Why it ranks #30
The University of Texas at San Antonio lands at #30 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $57,131 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,836 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Greensboro, NC · 89% accepted · $10,965 net
Why it ranks #31
University of North Carolina at Greensboro lands at #31 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $48,160 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,965 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Greensboro, NC · 50% accepted · $10,846 net
Why it ranks #32
North Carolina A & T State University lands at #32 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $44,440 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,846 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Western Kentucky University lands at #33 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $43,889 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,990 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Florida Gulf Coast University lands at #34 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (68/100). Graduates earn a median $54,560 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,568 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Valdosta State University lands at #35 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $49,361 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,945 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
San Francisco State University lands at #36 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $68,077 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,278 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
SUNY Buffalo State University lands at #37 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $52,334 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,346 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras lands at #38 with a 73/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $35,723 a decade after enrolling, 36% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,175 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Shepherd University lands at #39 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $49,358 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,363 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
California State University-Fresno lands at #40 with a 73/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $61,244 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,000 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Eastern Illinois University lands at #41 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $51,989 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,786 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Asheville, NC · 92% accepted · $12,250 net
Why it ranks #42
University of North Carolina Asheville lands at #42 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $44,030 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,250 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Indiana University-Southeast lands at #43 with a 72/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $47,596 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,888 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
San Jose State University lands at #44 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (71/100). Graduates earn a median $78,988 a decade after enrolling, 42% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,760 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Waterbury, CT · 87% accepted · $10,875 net
Why it ranks #45
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus lands at #45 with a 72/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (70/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 33% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,875 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
The University of Texas Permian Basin lands at #46 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $56,073 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,723 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #47
Arkansas State University lands at #47 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $42,617 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,366 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
SUNY Old Westbury lands at #48 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $58,526 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,282 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #49
University of Mississippi lands at #49 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (66/100). Graduates earn a median $50,994 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,314 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #50
College of the Ozarks lands at #50 with a 72/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (35/100). Graduates earn a median $41,592 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,100 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Top states on this list
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become PR Specialists and related roles — a field with $67,440 median pay and 6% projected growth.
See the PR Specialist career guide →Choosing a college is about more than just prestige; for many students, affordability is key. For those interested in Communications, our list highlights schools that balance quality education with financial accessibility. With the average earnings for graduates in this field at $59,738, it’s essential to find a program that offers both a solid education and a manageable financial burden.
The schools on this list are ranked by their affordability alongside critical outcomes such as graduation rates, average earnings, and student debt. These factors are crucial when evaluating how well each college prepares its students for the workforce. As you look through the rankings below, keep an eye on net prices and debt levels, as they can significantly impact your future financial stability.
Take CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College and CUNY Hunter College, for instance. Baruch shows higher earnings at $75,971 and a graduation rate of 72%, while Hunter’s graduates earn $63,163 with a lower graduation rate of 59%. The difference in earnings may suggest a stronger return on investment at Baruch, but also consider the financial trade-offs each school entails. Understanding these nuances will help you make a more informed decision as you explore your options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 36 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.9%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads the group at 12.9%, with CUNY Brooklyn College (8.1%) and CUNY Hunter College (7.5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 11.6% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. The University of Texas at El Paso enrolls the most, at 28%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 24.5% across the list, peaking at 46.8% at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.51, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and San Jose State University is highest at 1.80.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
When comparing CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College to CUNY Brooklyn College, the differences in earnings and graduation rates stand out. Baruch graduates earn $75,971, significantly higher than Brooklyn’s $60,752. Moreover, Baruch’s graduation rate of 72% outpaces Brooklyn's 55%, indicating a stronger overall performance in preparing students for successful careers.
After reviewing 50 schools, it's essential to weigh this data against your personal priorities. Consider factors like location, program fit, and campus culture alongside financial aspects. For example, if you’re leaning towards a school like the University of Florida-Online, known for its strong graduation rate, think about whether online learning meets your learning style and lifestyle.
Ultimately, these figures reflect a broader trend: the connection between education and financial stability. For families, selecting the right college is a pivotal decision that can shape not just a student’s career path but also their financial future. The right choice can lead to a solid foundation for a stable life after college, making it crucial to consider all aspects of each program.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Affordable Colleges for Communications: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Colleges for Communications ranking? +
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College in New York, NY ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Colleges for Communications ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $75,971 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 72% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
San Jose State University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $78,988 ten years after enrollment, well above the $55,754 average across the 50 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads: graduates earn a median $75,971 against net price of about $3,033 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 92%, compared with a 58% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $8,887 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. CUNY Hunter College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,984. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Most Affordable Colleges for Communications ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 50 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →
U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →
National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →
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