Journalism schools with low tuition ensure that aspiring media practitioners can find their professional voice without going into major debt. Majoring in journalism will prepare undergrads to exercise their freedom of speech in communications jobs. Bachelor’s in Journalism graduates play a pivotal role in conveying crucial, fact-checked information to the public. In 2016, the Pew Research Center found that 57 percent of U.S. adults learn about news on television programs. Another 38 percent read news articles published by journalists on the Internet. About 25 percent of Americans turn to the radio or newspapers. Currently, journalism majors have more platforms than ever to inform our country’s 329 million people digitally and in print. Getting a top-value journalism degree could put you in the media spotlight investigating and breaking important stories that deserve audience attention.
Our Methodology
Affordable Schools decided to find the most affordable universities for journalism degree students. Our researchers started by digging into the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) database. We conducted an advanced search on the College Navigator to locate all American journalism bachelor’s options. We whittled down the four-year higher education offerings to form an initial pool of 20. From there, we looked at each journalism school’s estimated full-time attendance cost. Though we recorded the out-of-state price, only in-state tuition rates were used for the ranking. We sought in-state tuition and fees below $15,000 for one year of study. The highest priority was given to undergraduate institutions charging state residents $7,500 or less. We awarded each college one to three points based on the following rubric.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 Points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 Points
$15,001 and Up: 1 Point
Afterward, the AS Staff did our own journalistic investigation to acquire hard evidence of education quality at each school. For instance, we accessed the U.S. Department of Education accreditation database. All 20 journalism schools had to meet the high standards required for regional accreditation. Though not required, approval by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) was noted. We also analyzed other school data like student-faculty ratio on the College Navigator. This proportion tells how many students there are for every professor. Our team made student-faculty ratios a major ranking factor for active journalism course engagement. Small classes help budding journalists get more:
- personal feedback
- career advising
- internship connections
- public speaking experiences
We assigned one to three points based on the student-faculty ratio rubric below. These points were added to tuition points to order the most affordable colleges for journalism degrees.
Points:
10:1 or Less: 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 Points
Greater Than 15:1: 1 Point
Ranking the 15 Best Affordable Colleges for a Journalism Degree
15. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Edinboro, PA
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania is a public, four-year liberal arts school. It enrolls 4,840 undergraduates It has hosted the annual NWPA High School Journalism Competition since 2006. In 2013, the Edinboro PRSSA Chapter won the Teahan Award for Outstanding Performance. Its EdinboroNow.com platform received the 2017 PNA Student Keystone Press Award. The U.S. News & World Report placed Edinboro in the top 187 North schools. The university was ranked America’s 196th best dorms on Niche and 261st most social mobility in Washington Monthly.
The College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences offers a low-cost Journalism and Public Relations BA for experience succinctly communicating complex information. The 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited plan two specializations:
- for Journalism
- Digital Media Production.
Undergrads can also:
- write for The Spectator
- declare the Broadcast Meteorology Minor
- intern with Epic Web Studios
- pledge Lambda Pi Eta
- earn the Pitzer/Rupnik Scholarship
- use the Campus Media Center.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations
In-State Tuition: $10,574
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,622
Student: Faculty Ratio: 18:1
14. Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Youngstown State University is a public, four-year commuter MVFC member. It enrolls 12,696 students in its seven schools. It has publishedThe Jambar since 1931. In 2018, Youngstown won the ONMA Best Collegiate News Coverage Award. YSU Magazine earned its fourth Collegiate Advertising Silver Award in 2019. College Factual ranked Youngstown State the 154th most popular journalism department nationally. The university was named:
- America’s 170th best university in Washington Monthly
- 202nd top value by PayScale
- 253rd best athletics college on Niche
The Cliffe College of Creative Arts & Communication graduates more than 60 B.A. in Journalism majors annually. The 120-credit, HLC-accredited degree program builds toward 3000-level core courses like Press Law with an optional Broadcast and Digital Media track. Students can also:
- help publish The Penguin Review
- intern with C-SPAN
- declare the Multimedia Reporting Minor
- host Rookery Radio shows
- get Adobe Creative Cloud access
- join Order of Omega.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
In-State Tuition: $8,967
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,327
Student: Faculty Ratio: 17:1
13. University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS
Total Points: 3
Program Website
The University of Southern Mississippi is a public, land-grant Conference USA member founded in 1910. It enrolls enrolls 14,478 students in 189 programs. In 2019, USM won a Second Place Award from the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press. The university accepted the 2013 SPS Marsh W. White Outreach Award. The U.S. News & World Report named Southern Mississippi the 137th best English college. It was also ranked:
- America’s 108th top communications school on Niche
- 248th best research institute in Forbes
- 240th best faculty by the CWUR
The School of Communications 18 full-time faculty and more than 225 Journalism BA majors. The 120-credit, low-cost ACEJMC-accredited curriculum requires GPAs to maintain a 2.5 GPA. The program has four emphases:
- Broadcast Journalism
- News Editorial
- Media Production
- Photojournalism
Students may also:
- edit The Student Printz
- engage in the Center for Writers
- participate in Philosophical Fridays
- take the London Semester
- join the Association of Black Journalists.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
In-State Tuition: $8,624
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,624
Student: Faculty Ratio: 17:1
12. West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX
Total Points: 3
Program Website
West Texas A&M University is a public, low-cost four-year AASCU member. It enrolls 7,477 undergraduates from 55 countries. It is home to the Sybil B. Harrington Multimedia Journalism Studio. In 2019, West Texas A&M received eight distinctions at the 40th Annual Telly Awards. The university’s National Broadcasting Society has earned nine Model Chapter Awards. The U.S. News & World Report named West Texas A&M the 81st top Western choice. The university was ranked:
- America’s 145th best risk-reward school by LendEDU
- 218th best public college on Niche
- 47th top university in Poets & Quants.
The College of Fine Arts & Humanities offers an affordable B.A./B.S. in Media Communication where undergrads can select a Broadcast Journalism Emphasis. The 120-credit, SACS-accredited major helps students build strong publication portfolios with courses from Feature Writing to Digital Photography. Other opportunities include:
- publishing Eternal Flame
- pledging Alpha Epsilon Rho
- competing on the Forensics Team
- starring on NewsOne
- interning at Cumuls Broadcasting
- traveling abroad to Copenhagen.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication
Bachelor of Science in Media Communication
In-State Tuition: $7,935
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,304
Student: Faculty Ratio: 20:1
11. Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Northwest Missouri State University is a public, coed teaching school governed by the Board of Regents. It enrolls 6,857 students from 37 countries. In 2017, NMSU received the College Media Association’s Pinnacle Award. Northwest Missouri State was inducted into the Associated Collegiate Press Hall of Fame in 2000. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the university 86th in the Midwest. It was named:
- America’s 113th best free application school on Niche
- 179th top university for financial aid by College Factual
The College of Arts & Sciences offers an affordable Mass Media BS and Digital Media BS. The 121-credit HLC-accredited programs have concentrations in:
- Multimedia Journalism
- Sport Media
- Broadcast Production
- Applied Advertising
Majors might also:
- direct KNWT-TV programming
- write for The Northwest Missourian
- practice in Michael L. Faust Media Lab
- join the Society of Professional Journalists
- earn the American Dream Grant
- explore Italy.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Mass Media
Bachelor of Science in Digital Media
In-State Tuition: $7,844
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,166
Student: Faculty Ratio: 21:1
10. Lincoln University
Jefferson City, MO
Total Points: 3
Program Website
Lincoln University is a public, land-grant historically Black TMCF member created in 1866. It enrolls 2,478 students. In 2018, Lincoln received the Missouri Press Association Award in the Better Newspaper Contest. The Office of Communications was awarded a $1.1 USDA Grant in 2019. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Lincoln University the 50th best HBCU nationwide. It was also ranked America’s 232rd best Greek life on Niche and 227th most popular journalism program by College Factual.
The Humanities & Communications Department offers an affordable B.A./B.S. in Journalism where diverse undergrads learn the importance of media ethics. The 120-credit HLC-accredited sequences blend courses like Documentary Film and News Editing with 150 internship hours. Individuals can also:
- help publish The Clarion
- broadcast on KJLU 88.9FM
- join Delta Sigma Theta
- engage at the St. Louis Urban Impact Center
- apply for the Academic Special Talent Scholarship
- study abroad in Ghana.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
In-State Tuition: $7,632
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,172
Student: Faculty Ratio: 17:1
9. Pennsylvania State University World Campus
University Park, PA
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Pennsylvania State University World Campus is a public, adult-friendly distance outreach branch founded in 1998. It enrolls 9,273 undergrad students from 65 countries. It has a 69 percent acceptance rate. It is highly regarded for its Corporate Alliance Program In 2015, PSU World Campus won the Online Learning Consortium’s Award for Faculty Development. It also received the 2010 CSPA Best Newspaper Silver Crown Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Pennsylvania State World Campus fifth for online bachelor’s degrees. The university was named America’s 104th best college by The Wall Street Journal and 312th hardest school on Niche.
The College of Communications offers the inexpensive BA in Digital Journalism and Media entirely online via Blackboard for working adults. The 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited major has 24/7 access to courses from Idea Development to Reporting Techniques. Students can also:
- earn the Organizational Communication Certificate
- write for the Press Room
- join the Blue & White Society.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Media
In-State Tuition: $13,988
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,988
Student: Faculty Ratio: 11:1
8. Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Western Illinois University is a public, coed Summit League member founded in 1899 by Freemasons. It enrolls 8,502 students on its 1,050-acre campus. It broadcasting Good Morning Macomb live on WIU-TV News Channel 3. In 2019, the WIU National Broadcasting Society earned the Most Improved Chapter Award. It also won the 2018 NATAS Mid America Crystal Pillar Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Western Illinois the 52nd best Midwest value. The university was named:
- America’s 174th most liberal school on Niche
- 231st best public college in Forbes
- 27th top choice by the Social Mobility Index
The College of Fine Arts & Communication offers a low-cost B.A. in Broadcasting and Journalism. The 120-credit, HLC-accredited plan has four concentrations:
- Broadcast Production
- Multimedia Journalism
- Sports Broadcasting
- Advertising & Public Relations
Students can also:
- intern with the Chicago Bears
- apply for the Dameris Bagwell Scholarship
- join the SINBA Chapter
- publish Western Courier
- take the Cinema Italiano trip.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting and Journalism
In-State Tuition: $12,951
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,951
Student: Faculty Ratio: 14:1
7. Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Eastern Illinois University is a public, state-funded OVC member. It enrolls 6,012 undergraduates at a 14:1 ratio. Chicago Tribune Pulitzer Prize winner Ted Gregory is a 1981 graduate. In 2018, EIU was named to the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll. The university accepted the 2018 INBA Outstanding Television Newcast Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Eastern Illinois University the 37th best Midwest value. It was also ranked
- America’s 295th best professors on Niche
- 41st most affordable tuition without aid on College Factual
- 62nd top education in Washington Monthly.
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences provides an inexpensive Journalism Major (B.A.) The 120-credit ACEJMC-accredited option starts with the Journalism Forum before the broadcasting, sports media, and public affairs reporting tracks. Students can get real journalism experience by:
- working for the campus newspaper The Daily Eastern News
- compete on the Speech Team
- contribute to the campus yearbook The Warbler
- participate in WEIU-TV newscasts
- pledge Lambda Pi Eta
- spend 22 days in Ireland
- attend the Illinois Press Foundation.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
In-State Tuition: $11,803
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,023
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14: 1
6. South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
Total Points: 4
Program Website
South Dakota State University is a flagship public, land-grant Big 12 affiliate. It has 674 faculty and 10,799 undergraduate students. In 2011, South Dakota State won the NACMA Best of Interactive and Social Media Gold Award. It won a 2018 American Institute of Architects’ South Dakota Honor Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked South Dakota State University 226th overall. The university was named:
- America’s 180th top public college on Niche
- 396th best value in Money
- 199th best research institute by Forbes.
The School of Journalism & Communication offers an affordable Journalism B.A./B.S. program. The 120-credit ACEJMC-accredited curriculum mandates minimum 2.5 GPAs during core courses from Radio Announcing to Multiplatform Storytelling. Experiences include:
- writing for The Collegian
- traveling to Washington DC
- interning at Midco
- joining Journalism Club
- exchanging to Vrije Universiteit
- attending the SDBA Conference.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
In-State Tuition: $8,764
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,128
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
5. CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College
New York, NY
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Bernard M. Baruch College is a senior public, coed CUNY constituent. It enrolls 15,024 undergrad Bearcats and has an 88 percent retention rate. It has hosted the Ratner Distinguished Visiting Business Journalist Program since 2013. In 2018, Baruch College received its 13th Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Bernard M. Baruch College 16th for regional bachelor’s teaching. It was also named America’s eighth best buy in Money and 44th best location on Niche.
The Weissman School of Arts & Sciences offers an affordable B.A. in Journalism that trains students to interview sources for accurate online or print articles. The 120-credit, low-cost, MSCHE-accredited major requires one 10-week summer internship in journalism and creative writing or business journalism. Students may also:
- help publish Dollars & Sense
- network with the Harman Writer-in-Residence
- contribute to the Harnisch Journalism Project
- join Lexicon
- travel to Cuba.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
In-State Tuition: $7,262
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,932
Student: Faculty Ratio: 19:1
4. Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Arkansas Tech University is a public, doctoral-granting GAC member founded in 1909. It enrolls 12,101 students from 35 nations online and at the 516-acre campus. It archives the Government Documents Collection in Ross Pendergraft Library. In 2018, Arkansas Tech collected 39 awards from the Arkansas College Media Association. It earned the 2019 NCAA Team Workers Helper Community Service Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the university 102nd in the South. It was ranked:
- America’s 67th best dining experience on Niche
- 168th highest paid journalism grads by College Factual.
The College of Arts & Humanities Education offers an affordable B.A. in Journalism. The 120-credit, HLC-accredited degree program spans eight semesters with Broadcast Journalism, Print Journalism, and Public Relations concentrations available. Students also might:
- edit The ArkaTech
- utilize the Mobile Production Trailer
- deejay on KXRJ 91.9FM
- intern at CNN
- join the Society of Professional Journalists
- pursue the M.A. in Multimedia Journalism.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
In-State Tuition: $7,254
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,678
Student: Faculty Ratio: 19:1
3. CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, NY
Total Points: 4
Program Website
Lehman College is a public, four-year CUNY constituent named for Senator Herbert H. Lehman in 1931. It enrolls 11,978 students in 77 majors. It has published The Meridian for more than five decades. In 2015, CUNY Lehman won the Emmy Award for Best Public Service Announcement. It received the 2015 CSRDE Best Practices in Student Retention Award. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CUNY Lehman the 147th best fine arts school. The college was ranked:
- America’s 131st top value in Money
- 188th hardest college on Niche
- 180th best public university by Forbes
The School of Arts & Humanities offers a low cost B.A. in Journalism and B.A. in Media Communication Studies. Both 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited programs build on the Flexible Core with classes like Online News Page Design and Multimedia Proofreading. Student can also:
- become Chips Quinn Scholars
- intern at The New York Times
- join the NAHJ Chapter, participate in the Program for Professional Communications
- broadcast on WHCL Radio.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,210
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,880
Student: Faculty Ratio: 16:1
2. CUNY York College
Queens, NY
Total Points: 4
Program Website
York College is a public, historically Black TMCF member of the Northeast Regional Honors Council. It enrolls 8,393 students in 44 majors online or at the 50-acre campus. It’s esteemed for its CUNY-CBS Television Bootcamp. In 2018, CUNY York claimed four Society of Professional Journalists Region 1 Mark of Excellence Awards. It won the 2017 NYPA Thomas G. Butson Award for In-Depth Reporting. The U.S. News & World Report ranked CUNY York College 15th for public Northern education. The college was ranked America’s 369th best location on Niche and 218th best baccalaureate studies in Washington Monthly.
The School of Arts & Sciences offers Queens’ only Journalism (BA) Major. The 120-credit, MSCHE-accredited bachelor’s degree path has three specializations:
- broadcast journalism
- book and magazine publishing
- feature news writing
Students can also:
- edit Pandora’s Box
- attend the Journalism Enrichment Seminar
- intern at Condé Nast
- semester in Japan
- apply for the Steven Weitzner Scholarship.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
In-State Tuition: $7,158
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,828
Student: Faculty Ratio: 20:1
1. Central State University
Wilberforce, OH
Total Points: 5
Program Website
Central State University is a land-grant, historically Black SIAC member. It enrolls 1,784 undergrad students. It operates WCSU 88.9FM as Ohio Public Radio’s only minority-owned channel. In 2017, HBCU Digest gave Central State the Highest Honor Award and Athletic Excellence Award. CSU has been a Broadcast Education Association Signature Station Competition finalist. The U.S. News & World Report ranked it 40th for African Americans. The university was ranked America’s 274th most liberal academics on Niche and 212nd most popular journalism courses on College Factual.
The Mass Communications Center offers an affordable B.A. in Print Journalism or B.A. in Broadcast Media. It admits 47 percent of applicants. The programs are 120-credits and HLC-accredited. The programs include upper-division major courses like English Grammar and Multimedia Reporting. Students can also:
- celebrate Communication Week
- help publish The Gold Torch
- intern at Style Network
- join the National Electronic Media Association
- minor in African Studies
- Semester at Sea.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism
Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Media
In-State Tuition: $6,346
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,346
Student: Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Which Jobs are Available with an Affordable Degree in Journalism?
Selecting from the above affordable colleges for journalism degree programs helps undergrads find their voice in various media occupations. For example, news journalists write or broadcast stories that keep citizens informed. Photojournalists convey information through captivating still images. Editors review text and photographs in like books or magazines for the best reader experience. Content marketers write persuasive articles and website posts using SEO to advertise businesses. Television producers oversee the creation of popular small screen series from pitch to finale. Sports announcers provide play-by-play commentary at athletic events. Other careers with a journalism degree include:
- social media director
- public relations manager
- brand strategist
- communications executive
- news anchor
- publicist
- film editor
- advertising specialist
- blogger
- food critic.
How Much Do Best-Value Journalism Degree Graduates Earn?
Affordable colleges for journalism degree programs are best because the news industry has many meaningful careers that aren’t necessarily lucrative. The U.S. Department of Labor estimated an average salary of $57,530 for media jobs. Specifically, broadcast news analysts have median pay of $66,880. Reporters and correspondents receive mean wages of $55,530. Photojournalists reap average income of $42,770 each year. Content editors are compensated $68,230 on average. Desktop publishers report a median salary of $42,910. Proofreaders generally make $23,220 to $63,080 annually. Film and video editors earn a median $61,180. On Salary.com, journalism positions post an average pay of $48,883, but income projections can skyrocket upward. Public relations directors boast a mean wage of $134,003. Other six-figure means include $150,900 for production managers, $217,100 for chief communications officers, $120,495 for creative directors, and $105,347 for publication general managers.
What is the Hiring Demand After Cheap Journalism Degree Programs?
Students at affordable colleges for journalism degree majors often fear there won’t be media companies hiring after graduation. The U.S. Department of Commerce expects the global media market will hit $1.9 trillion in 2020 though. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has listed average job growth of 6 percent for 43,200 new media jobs by 2026. Jobs for newspaper reporters and correspondents will drop by 9 percent this decade. However, the need for public relations specialists will increase 9 percent. Advertising promotions managers can expect 10-year growth of 10 percent. Faster-than-average growth of 13 percent is predicted for film and video editors. About 10,700 jobs will be added for 8 percent more broadcast engineering technicians. Hiring of producers and directors will increase by 12 percent. Forbes named Detroit, San Francisco, Washington DC, New York, and Los Angeles the best cities for journalists.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable journalism degree programs (bachelor’s).
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