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2026 Best Journalism Master's Degree Schools

2026 Best Journalism Master’s Degree Schools

Looking for the best Journalism master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 525 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.

To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 Journalism Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Leading the list is Georgetown University, our #1 Journalism school in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete their Journalism program here. More on Georgetown University

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #2 on this year's Journalism ranking in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Journalism program here. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison

#3

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

The strong Journalism programs at University Of Iowa earned it the #3 place in the United States. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $25,907 in student loans. See the full University Of Iowa profile

University Of Maryland College Park came in at #4 on this year's Journalism ranking in the United States. This public school is set in College Park, MD. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Journalism program here. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park

The strong Journalism programs at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Journalism students take on a median of $22,300 in debt. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report

University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median Journalism program debt is $21,400. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile

#7

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas did well this year, earning the #7 position. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Students borrow a median of $22,811 to complete their Journalism program here. Read the full report on University Of Kansas

#8

Saint Bonaventure University

Saint Bonaventure, NY

Saint Bonaventure University placed #8 among Journalism schools in the United States. Saint Bonaventure University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Bonaventure, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. Students from in state pay about $41,735 in tuition and fees. Saint Bonaventure University Journalism students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. See the full Saint Bonaventure University profile

University Of Colorado Boulder placed #9 among Journalism schools in the United States. University Of Colorado Boulder is a public school based in Boulder, CO. University Of Colorado Boulder graduates 74% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. The median Journalism program debt is $15,750. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report

Iowa State University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. About 75% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Journalism program here. Get the full Iowa State University report

Kent State University At Kent ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Set in Kent, OH, Kent State University At Kent is a public institution. Kent State University At Kent graduates 64% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,220, while out-of-state students pay about $21,575. Typical Journalism student debt is $25,000. More on Kent State University At Kent

University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. University Of Nebraska Lincoln posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Journalism program here. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

#13

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University ranked #13 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. Typical Journalism student debt is $25,000. Read more about George Washington University

Columbia University In The City Of New York did well this year, earning the #14 position. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Columbia University In The City Of New York graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York

#15

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, CT

Quinnipiac University placed #15 among Journalism schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hamden, CT. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Typical Journalism student debt is $24,500. Read the full report on Quinnipiac University

South Dakota State University placed #16 among Journalism schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Journalism program debt is $24,989. Read more about South Dakota State University

#17

Baylor University

Waco, TX

Baylor University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Set in Waco, TX, Baylor University is a private not-for-profit institution. Baylor University posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,100. Baylor University Journalism students take on a median of $23,959 in debt. Read the full report on Baylor University

#18

American University

Washington, DC

American University landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. American University graduates 76% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Journalism program here. Read more about American University

#19

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Temple University Journalism students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. More on Temple University

#20

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas did well this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Read more about University Of Arkansas

University Of Southern California came in at #21 in this year's ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. University Of Southern California Journalism students take on a median of $16,250 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Southern California

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. This public school is set in Norman, OK. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Journalism program debt is $24,250. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Journalism program here. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

#24

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University did well this year, earning the #24 position. 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. Boston University Journalism students take on a median of $24,813 in debt. Read the full report on Boston University

#25

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. 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. The median Journalism program debt is $21,120. Read more about University Of Georgia

Rest of the Top 50 Best Journalism Master’s Degree Schools in the United States

Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:

#26

University Of Miami

Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Coral Gables, FL. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,616. The median Journalism program debt is $16,000. Read the full report on University Of Miami

University Of Nevada Reno landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. University Of Nevada Reno graduates 61% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. The median Journalism program debt is $19,500. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno

#28

New York University

New York, NY

New York University placed #28 among Journalism schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. New York University posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. New York University Journalism students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. More on New York University

#29

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical Journalism student debt is $21,500. Get the full Kansas State University report

#30

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University placed #30 among Journalism schools in the United States. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Ball State University graduates 62% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,675 in student loans. Read more about Ball State University

#31

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona did well this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. University Of Arizona graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. University Of Arizona Journalism students take on a median of $20,520 in debt. See the full University Of Arizona profile

#32

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University did well this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,528. Typical Journalism student debt is $27,000. Read more about Syracuse University

#33

Emerson College

Boston, MA

Emerson College landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Based in Boston, MA, Emerson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Emerson College posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,056. Graduates carry a median of $24,580 in student loans. Read the full report on Emerson College

#34

The University Of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Set in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. The University Of Alabama graduates 73% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. The University Of Alabama Journalism students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read the full report on The University Of Alabama

University Of Mississippi Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Based in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. About 72% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, with out-of-state students paying around $28,600. Graduates carry a median of $24,225 in student loans. Get the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus report

Ohio University Main Campus landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Students borrow a median of $24,208 to complete their Journalism program here. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus

University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #37 among Journalism schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbia, SC. University Of South Carolina Columbia posts a six-year graduation rate of 79%. Students from in state pay about $12,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,298. The median Journalism program debt is $26,000. More on University Of South Carolina Columbia

#38

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University did well this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Journalism program here. Get the full West Virginia University report

University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. Set in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Journalism program debt is $21,829. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus

University Of North Texas did well this year, earning the #40 position. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $19,877 in student loans. See the full University Of North Texas profile

#41

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #41 among Journalism schools in the United States. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. About 81% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. The median Journalism program debt is $24,985. More on Michigan State University

#42

University Of Oregon

Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. University Of Oregon is a public school based in Eugene, OR. University Of Oregon graduates 72% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,320, with out-of-state students paying around $42,516. The median Journalism program debt is $24,750. Read the full report on University Of Oregon

Arizona State University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Journalism schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. Arizona State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Journalism students take on a median of $19,937 in debt. See the full Arizona State University profile

#44

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Northeastern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. The median Journalism program debt is $24,313. Read the full report on Northeastern University

#45

Point Park University

Pittsburgh, PA

Point Park University landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Point Park University graduates 58% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,570. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Journalism program here. See the full Point Park University profile

#46

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Roughly 51% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. University Of Memphis Journalism students take on a median of $26,875 in debt. Read more about University Of Memphis

#47

Depaul University

Chicago, IL

Depaul University came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. About 68% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $24,334 in student loans. See the full Depaul University profile

#48

The University Of Montana

Missoula, MT

The University Of Montana did well this year, earning the #48 position. The University Of Montana is a public school based in Missoula, MT. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Graduates carry a median of $26,375 in student loans. Read more about The University Of Montana

University Of Illinois At Springfield came in at #49 in this year's ranking. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Typical Journalism student debt is $24,925. Get the full University Of Illinois At Springfield report

Arkansas State University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Arkansas State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus Journalism students take on a median of $23,399 in debt. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus

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Ranking Methodology & Notes

These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 525 ranked schools only.

References

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