2026 Best Value Journalism Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Journalism bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 525 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree 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. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Journalism students take on a median of $14,953 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,953 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wilmington University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Castle, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wilmington University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Dakota State University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full South Dakota State University report
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #4 on this year's best-value Journalism ranking in the United States. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
You'll get strong value at North Dakota State University Main Campus, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Typical Journalism student debt is $25,153. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
Ashford University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Typical Journalism student debt is $43,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ashford University
University Of Sacred Heart came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Santurce, PR, University Of Sacred Heart is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410. Graduates carry a median of $12,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,754 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Sacred Heart
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Typical Journalism student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
West Texas A And M University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,333 to complete their Journalism program here. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on West Texas A And M University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Students borrow a median of $24,619 to complete their Journalism program here. Median earnings reach $55,548 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
University Of Wisconsin River Falls placed #12 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Located in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Typical Journalism student debt is $24,245. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Journalism student debt is $17,054. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Northern Illinois University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Northern Illinois University Journalism students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. University Of Minnesota Duluth Journalism students take on a median of $26,351 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,351 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Duluth report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Carbondale
California State University Chico placed #17 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. California State University Chico is a public school based in Chico, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,472, while out-of-state students pay about $21,072. The median Journalism program debt is $18,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,172. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Chico profile
San Jose State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full San Jose State University report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Students borrow a median of $19,333 to complete their Journalism program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $19,333 median debt. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Central Michigan University placed #21 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. The median Journalism program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Central Michigan University
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,574 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $22,574 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
Rust College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Holly Springs, MS, Rust College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,265 in tuition and fees. Rust College Journalism students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,275. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 49%. Get the full Rust College report
Minnesota State University Moorhead placed #24 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Typical Journalism student debt is $24,447. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Youngstown State University placed #25 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Graduates carry a median of $26,373 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
San Diego State University placed #26 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,909 ten years after entry. Set against $14,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University has an acceptance rate of 36%. Read the full report on San Diego State University
Eastern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. The median Journalism program 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 admits about 65% of applicants. Read the full report on Eastern Illinois University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Journalism Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Journalism program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Kansas State University
University Of Kansas landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,811 to complete their Journalism program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Kansas
Utah State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical Journalism student debt is $16,710. Utah State University alumni report median earnings of $54,022 a decade after entry. Set against $16,710 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Utah State University has an acceptance rate of 92%. Read more about Utah State University
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Journalism program here. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Missouri State University Springfield placed #29 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield Journalism students take on a median of $24,408 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
San Francisco State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Typical Journalism student debt is $16,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $16,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full San Francisco State University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia Journalism students take on a median of $21,400 in debt. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,400 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #35 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Northeastern State University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. The median Journalism program debt is $23,465. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,379 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern State University admits about 100% of applicants. More on Northeastern State University
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. The median Journalism program debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Iowa State University
University Of Memphis ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Set against $26,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Memphis
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,126 ten years out. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Western Michigan University placed #40 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Typical Journalism student debt is $27,981. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,562. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Nevada Reno offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,614 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Arkansas placed #44 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. University Of Arkansas Journalism students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,191. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
California State University Long Beach placed #45 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. The median Journalism program debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Concordia College At Moorhead ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Based in Moorhead, MN, Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,170. Typical Journalism student debt is $26,637. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,317 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,637 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%. See the full Concordia College At Moorhead profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. The median Journalism program debt is $21,000. 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. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Ohio University Main Campus placed #47 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical Journalism student debt is $24,208. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,208 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #49 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Journalism program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
University Of Wyoming offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. University Of Wyoming Journalism students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Journalism program debt is $20,500. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Harding University placed #52 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Set in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Typical Journalism student debt is $26,715. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,876. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Harding University profile
Related Journalism Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Journalism Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Journalism Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Journalism Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Journalism Associate’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. Rankings consider 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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