2026 Best Journalism Bachelor’s Degree Schools

#1

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

Leading the list is University Of Wisconsin Madison, our #1 Journalism school in the United States. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical Journalism student debt is $23,250. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison

#2

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #2 on this year's Journalism ranking in the United States. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,054 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Florida

#3

University Of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA

Out of the 525 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of Southern California landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. About 92% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Students borrow a median of $16,250 to complete their Journalism program here. Get the full University Of Southern California report

#4

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

A rank of #4 makes California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo one of the top choices in the United States. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. The median Journalism program debt is $19,333. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

#5

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN

The strong Journalism programs at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report

#6

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia did well this year, earning the #6 position. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. University Of Missouri Columbia posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,400 in student loans. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report

#7

Elon University

Elon, NC

Elon University placed #7 among Journalism schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Elon, NC. Elon University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,958. Students borrow a median of $19,875 to complete their Journalism program here. Get the full Elon University report

#8

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. George Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. George Washington University Journalism students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Get the full George Washington University report

#9

Samford University

Birmingham, AL

Samford University did well this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Birmingham, AL, Samford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Samford University posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,150. Typical Journalism student debt is $18,120. More on Samford University

#10

Drake University

Des Moines, IA

Drake University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Located in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Typical Journalism student debt is $22,273. More on Drake University

#11

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. University Of Kansas posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. University Of Kansas Journalism students take on a median of $22,811 in debt. Get the full University Of Kansas report

#12

American University

Washington, DC

American University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Set in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Journalism program here. Read the full report on American University

#13

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin did well this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Journalism program here. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile

#14

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Journalism students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile

#15

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Southern Methodist University Journalism students take on a median of $19,448 in debt. More on Southern Methodist University

#16

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University did well this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Syracuse University graduates 84% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,528. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about Syracuse University

#17

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. About 85% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,300 to complete their Journalism program here. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#18

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT

Fairfield University landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Set in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. Fairfield University graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,400. Fairfield University Journalism students take on a median of $26,687 in debt. Read more about Fairfield University

#19

Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Indiana University Bloomington graduates 80% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Indiana University Bloomington Journalism students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report

#20

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Texas Christian University posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,740. Students borrow a median of $22,960 to complete their Journalism program here. Read more about Texas Christian University

#21

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Kansas State University graduates 71% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Read the full report on Kansas State University

#22

University Of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder placed #22 among Journalism schools in the United States. Located in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. University Of Colorado Boulder graduates 74% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete their Journalism program here. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder

#23

Colorado State University Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO

Colorado State University Fort Collins landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public school based in Fort Collins, CO. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Journalism program here. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins

#24

Concordia College At Moorhead

Moorhead, MN

Concordia College At Moorhead landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. Located in Moorhead, MN, Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $31,170. Students borrow a median of $26,637 to complete their Journalism program here. Get the full Concordia College At Moorhead report

#25

Emerson College

Boston, MA

Emerson College came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Located in Boston, MA, Emerson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $57,056. Graduates carry a median of $24,580 in student loans. Read more about Emerson College

#26

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill did well this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Typical Journalism student debt is $15,117. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

#27

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. University Of Iowa graduates 75% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. University Of Iowa Journalism students take on a median of $25,907 in debt. More on University Of Iowa

#28

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University placed #28 among Journalism schools in the United States. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Students borrow a median of $24,813 to complete their Journalism program here. See the full Boston University profile

#29

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Get the full Iowa State University report

#30

The College Of New Jersey

Ewing, NJ

The College Of New Jersey came in at #30 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. The College Of New Jersey Journalism students take on a median of $24,429 in debt. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report

#31

Miami University Oxford

Oxford, OH

Miami University Oxford landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Based in Oxford, OH, Miami University Oxford is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Miami University Oxford Journalism students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about Miami University Oxford

#32

Loyola Marymount University

Los Angeles, CA

Loyola Marymount University did well this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. Loyola Marymount University posts a six-year graduation rate of 79%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $22,248 in student loans. Get the full Loyola Marymount University report

#33

Baylor University

Waco, TX

Baylor University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Set in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,959 in student loans. Get the full Baylor University report

#34

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#35

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical Journalism student debt is $24,250. See the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus profile

#36

University Of Nebraska At Kearney

Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #36 among Journalism schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public school based in Kearney, NE. About 57% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. The median Journalism program debt is $22,602. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Kearney

#37

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas placed #37 among Journalism schools in the United States. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. University Of Arkansas posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Get the full University Of Arkansas report

#38

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE

Wilmington University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. Roughly 22% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Read more about Wilmington University

#39

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. About 86% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about Gonzaga University

#40

University Of Scranton

Scranton, PA

University Of Scranton placed #40 among Journalism schools in the United States. University Of Scranton is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $53,777. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Journalism program here. More on University Of Scranton

#41

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,120 to complete their Journalism program here. Read more about University Of Georgia

#42

Utah State University

Logan, UT

Utah State University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. The median Journalism program debt is $16,710. More on Utah State University

#43

Georgia College And State University

Milledgeville, GA

Georgia College And State University placed #43 among Journalism schools in the United States. Set in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia College And State University is a public institution. Georgia College And State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,186, compared with $29,512 for out-of-state students. Typical Journalism student debt is $25,000. Read more about Georgia College And State University

#44

Creighton University

Omaha, NE

Creighton University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Creighton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Omaha, NE. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,856. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Creighton University

#45

Chapman University

Orange, CA

Chapman University placed #45 among Journalism schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Orange, CA. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,984. The median Journalism program debt is $22,500. Read the full report on Chapman University

#46

Bethel University Minnesota

Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University Minnesota landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Bethel University Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. Bethel University Minnesota graduates 71% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,226. The median Journalism program debt is $25,639. Read the full report on Bethel University Minnesota

#47

North Dakota State University Main Campus

Fargo, ND

North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #47 among Journalism schools in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Journalism students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus

#48

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University did well this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Marquette University posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Journalism program here. More on Marquette University

#49

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

South Dakota State University did well this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. South Dakota State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. More on South Dakota State University

#50

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 81%. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Michigan State University Journalism students take on a median of $24,985 in debt. See the full Michigan State University profile