2026 Best Value Journalism Master’s Degree Schools

#1

Saint Bonaventure University

Saint Bonaventure, NY

For return on investment, no school beat Saint Bonaventure University this year in the United States. Located in Saint Bonaventure, NY, Saint Bonaventure University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,735. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Journalism program here. Saint Bonaventure University alumni report median earnings of $57,214 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Saint Bonaventure University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Saint Bonaventure University

#2

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Dakota State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $24,989 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. 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

#3

University Of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #3 on this year's best-value Journalism ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison

#4

University Of Nebraska Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

Out of the 525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #4 spot. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile

#5

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, CT

Out of the 525 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Quinnipiac University landed the #5 spot. Quinnipiac University is a private not-for-profit school based in Hamden, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $83,759 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Quinnipiac University

#6

Kent State University At Kent

Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent placed #6 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kent, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Kent State University At Kent Journalism students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Kent State University At Kent report

#7

Ohio University Main Campus

Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Graduates carry a median of $24,208 in student loans. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $24,208 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ohio University Main Campus

#8

University Of North Texas

Denton, TX

University Of North Texas placed #8 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Students borrow a median of $19,877 to complete their Journalism program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas

#9

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Journalism student debt is $22,811. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. That is a strong return on a $22,811 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full University Of Kansas report

#10

University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $25,907 to complete their Journalism program here. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,907 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full University Of Iowa report

#11

University Of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas placed #11 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Journalism program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Arkansas profile

#12

Arkansas State University Main Campus

Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Arkansas State University Main Campus Journalism students take on a median of $23,399 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report

#13

University Of Nevada Reno

Reno, NV

University Of Nevada Reno offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. University Of Nevada Reno admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Nevada Reno profile

#14

The University Of Texas At Austin

Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin placed #14 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Journalism student debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#15

University Of Missouri Columbia

Columbia, MO

University Of Missouri Columbia placed #15 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical Journalism student debt is $21,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Set against $21,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia

#16

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete their Journalism program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#17

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Iowa State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical Journalism student debt is $23,250. 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

#18

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA

Temple University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Temple University

#18

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Typical Journalism student debt is $26,875. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Set against $26,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of Memphis

#20

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Journalism students take on a median of $22,300 in debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile

#21

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. The median Journalism program debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kansas State University

#22

Point Park University

Pittsburgh, PA

Point Park University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,570. Point Park University Journalism students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,856. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Point Park University has an acceptance rate of 97%. More on Point Park University

#23

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete their Journalism program here. University Of South Florida Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,743 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile

#24

University Of Maryland College Park

College Park, MD

University Of Maryland College Park ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Journalism program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Maryland College Park

#25

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Journalism student debt is $21,120. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,120 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia

#26

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University placed #26 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Typical Journalism student debt is $25,675. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ball State University report

#27

University Of Mississippi Main Campus

University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #27 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. This public school is set in University, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,225 to complete their Journalism program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,994. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Mississippi Main Campus report

#28

University Of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO

University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete their Journalism program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,738. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Colorado Boulder

#29

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. The median Journalism program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. More on George Washington University

#30

Depaul University

Chicago, IL

Depaul University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Typical Journalism student debt is $24,334. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. Set against $24,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. More on Depaul University

#31

University Of Illinois At Springfield

Springfield, IL

University Of Illinois At Springfield ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Set in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,103. Set against $24,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Springfield

#32

Georgetown University

Washington, DC

Georgetown University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete their Journalism program here. Median earnings reach $103,494 ten years out. Set against $16,483 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 13% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Georgetown University

#33

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock

Little Rock, AR

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. The median Journalism program debt is $27,093. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,265 ten years after entry. Set against $27,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Arkansas At Little Rock

#34

West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Typical Journalism student debt is $24,250. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about West Virginia University

#35

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Arizona State University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Graduates carry a median of $19,937 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University

#36

The University Of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Tuscaloosa, AL, The University Of Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, with out-of-state students paying around $34,172. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,221 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Alabama has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full The University Of Alabama profile

#37

Emerson College

Boston, MA

Emerson College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boston, MA, Emerson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $57,056. Graduates carry a median of $24,580 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,832 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Emerson College admits about 51% of applicants. Read the full report on Emerson College

#37

University Of South Carolina Columbia

Columbia, SC

University Of South Carolina Columbia placed #37 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Set in Columbia, SC, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,688, compared with $36,298 for out-of-state students. The median Journalism program debt is $26,000. University Of South Carolina Columbia alumni report median earnings of $62,177 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Carolina Columbia

#39

University Of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona placed #39 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,979 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full University Of Arizona profile

#40

Baylor University

Waco, TX

Baylor University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Baylor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waco, TX. Students from in state pay about $58,100 in tuition and fees. The median Journalism program debt is $23,959. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,793. Set against $23,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 51%. See the full Baylor University profile

#41

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University placed #41 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Students borrow a median of $24,313 to complete their Journalism program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $24,313 median debt. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. See the full Northeastern University profile

#42

American University

Washington, DC

American University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Typical Journalism student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $77,370 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. More on American University

#42

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,451 to complete their Journalism program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,498. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. See the full Regent University profile

#44

New York University

New York, NY

New York University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Typical Journalism student debt is $21,897. New York University alumni report median earnings of $82,509 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full New York University profile

#45

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD

Morgan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Morgan State University is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,229, while out-of-state students pay about $19,124. Students borrow a median of $30,896 to complete their Journalism program here. Morgan State University alumni report median earnings of $50,698 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,896 median debt. Morgan State University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Morgan State University report

#46

University Of Miami

Coral Gables, FL

University Of Miami came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Coral Gables, FL, University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,616. Students borrow a median of $16,000 to complete their Journalism program here. Median earnings reach $75,328 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,000 median debt. About 19% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Miami

#47

University Of Oregon

Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Eugene, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. University Of Oregon alumni report median earnings of $61,324 a decade after entry. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Oregon

#48

The University Of Montana

Missoula, MT

The University Of Montana ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Journalism schools. The University Of Montana is a public school based in Missoula, MT. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. Typical Journalism student debt is $26,375. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,511. That is a strong return on a $26,375 median debt. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants. See the full The University Of Montana profile

#49

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University placed #49 among the best-value Journalism schools in the United States. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. The median Journalism program debt is $27,000. Syracuse University alumni report median earnings of $79,164 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Syracuse University admits about 46% of applicants. Read the full report on Syracuse University

#50

Columbia University In The City Of New York

New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Columbia University In The City Of New York alumni report median earnings of $102,491 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York