2026 Best Value Journalism Schools
Looking for the best-value Journalism programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 525 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Journalism Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,953 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Austin Community College District came in at #2 on this year's best-value Journalism ranking in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Austin Community College District Journalism students take on a median of $8,007 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Austin Community College District report
You'll get strong value at Wilmington University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,630. Wilmington University Journalism students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wilmington University profile
A rank of #4 makes South Dakota State University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. The median Journalism program debt is $24,989. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $24,989 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
You'll get strong value at University Of Nebraska At Kearney, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Students borrow a median of $22,602 to complete their Journalism program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. That is a strong return on a $22,602 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Kearney
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Journalism students take on a median of $25,153 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Ashford University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,960. The median Journalism program debt is $43,250. Ashford University alumni report median earnings of $35,404 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ashford University
Saint Bonaventure University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Bonaventure, NY, Saint Bonaventure University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,735. Saint Bonaventure University Journalism students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,214. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Saint Bonaventure University
University Of Sacred Heart offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Santurce, PR, University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410. The median Journalism program debt is $12,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,754. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Sacred Heart profile
San Diego Mesa College placed #10 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego Mesa College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Students borrow a median of $6,999 to complete their Journalism program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,120. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on San Diego Mesa College
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Typical Journalism student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
West Texas A And M University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,333 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on West Texas A And M University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #14 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,619 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,562 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ferris State University
University Of Wisconsin River Falls ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public school based in River Falls, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. The median Journalism program debt is $24,245. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. Set against $24,245 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical Journalism student debt is $17,054. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. More on University Of Florida
University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Graduates carry a median of $26,351 in student loans. University Of Minnesota Duluth alumni report median earnings of $62,616 a decade after entry. Set against $26,351 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full University Of Minnesota Duluth profile
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Typical Journalism student debt is $25,750. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
California State University Chico landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chico, CA, California State University Chico is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,472 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,072 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete their Journalism program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,172 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Chico report
San Jose State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full San Jose State University report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,390. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,333 in student loans. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,333 median debt. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Central Michigan University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. The median Journalism program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #26 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Typical Journalism student debt is $22,574. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Rust College placed #27 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Rust College is a private not-for-profit school based in Holly Springs, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $13,265. The median Journalism program debt is $31,000. Rust College alumni report median earnings of $32,275 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Rust College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Journalism Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Graduates carry a median of $24,447 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Youngstown State University placed #29 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,373 to complete their Journalism program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Eastern Illinois University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Typical Journalism student debt is $24,293. Median earnings reach $51,989 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,293 median debt. Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on Eastern Illinois University
San Diego State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. The median Journalism program debt is $14,998. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Set against $14,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #32 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Based in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete their Journalism program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Utah State University placed #32 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Graduates carry a median of $16,710 in student loans. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,710 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Utah State University
University Of Kansas landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,811 to complete their Journalism program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
Kansas State University placed #36 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Kansas State University
San Francisco State University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. San Francisco State University Journalism students take on a median of $16,875 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $16,875 median debt. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full San Francisco State University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Typical Journalism student debt is $21,783. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $21,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #39 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. The median Journalism program debt is $21,400. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $21,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Northeastern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Tahlequah, OK, Northeastern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Northeastern State University Journalism students take on a median of $23,465 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. Set against $23,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on Northeastern State University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. The median Journalism program debt is $24,250. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Iowa State University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University Journalism students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. The median Journalism program debt is $26,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of Memphis report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Journalism program here. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Western Michigan University placed #46 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Michigan University profile
University Of Central Arkansas ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. University Of Central Arkansas Journalism students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,938 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on University Of Central Arkansas
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,208 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of Nevada Reno ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Journalism program here. Median earnings reach $60,614 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
University Of Arkansas landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas Journalism students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
Concordia College At Moorhead came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit school based in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,170. Typical Journalism student debt is $26,637. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,317. Set against $26,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%. Read more about Concordia College At Moorhead
California State University Long Beach placed #51 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Located in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Typical Journalism student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
Best Value Journalism Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Journalism Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Journalism Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Journalism Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Journalism Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Journalism Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Journalism Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Journalism Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 525 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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