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2026 Best Value General Journalism Schools in the United States
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general journalism, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value General Journalism Schools
College Of The Canyons earned the #1 spot for value among general journalism schools in the United States. Located in the suburb of Santa Clarita, College Of The Canyons is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,166 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,958. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $9,776 in student loans. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $51,913. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cerritos College earned it the #2 place for general journalism. Cerritos College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norwalk. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,364, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $11,306. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Cerritos College generally make around $29,495. Set against $11,306 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Orange Coast College one of the best values for general journalism. Orange Coast College is a very large public school located in the city of Costa Mesa. Students from in state pay about $1,392 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,640. Students borrow a median of $8,978 to complete the general journalism program here. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $46,306. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Fresno City College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general journalism, landing the #4 spot this year. Fresno City College is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,378, compared with $8,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,234 to complete the general journalism program here. General Journalism graduates of Fresno City College earn a median of $37,470 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $7,234 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Austin Community College District earned it the #5 place for general journalism. Set in the city of Austin, Austin Community College District is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,007 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Austin Community College District generally make around $44,895. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
ADBLOCK #101
Mt San Antonio College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Located in the suburb of Walnut, Mt San Antonio College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,464. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $9,384. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Mt San Antonio College generally make around $44,391. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Santa Monica College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Set in the city of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,156, while out-of-state students pay about $10,708. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,193 ten years after entry.
Riverside City College landed the #8 spot for general journalism value this year. Located in the city of Riverside, Riverside City College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,428, compared with $12,498 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,767 to complete the general journalism program here. General Journalism graduates of Riverside City College earn a median of $37,102 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Long Beach City College landed the #9 spot for general journalism value this year. Long Beach City College is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. In-state tuition and fees average $1,556, compared with $12,544 for out-of-state students. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $6,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,870 ten years out. Set against $6,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
El Camino Community College District earned the #10 position for value in general journalism this year. Set in the suburb of Torrance, El Camino Community College District is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,144, with out-of-state students paying around $7,630. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,589 ten years after entry.
Sierra College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Located in the suburb of Rocklin, Sierra College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,446. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $12,733 in student loans. General Journalism graduates of Sierra College earn a median of $29,214 early in their careers. Set against $12,733 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Oklahoma City Community College placed #12 among the best values for general journalism. Set in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,059 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,810 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,250 to complete the general journalism program here. General Journalism graduates of Oklahoma City Community College earn a median of $39,848 early in their careers. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Cuny Kingsborough Community College came in at #13 for value in general journalism this year. Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. Students from in state pay about $5,252 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,132. Students borrow a median of $7,858 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Cuny Kingsborough Community College generally make around $35,562. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of Southern Nevada earned the #14 position for value in general journalism this year. Set in the city of Las Vegas, College Of Southern Nevada is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,024. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $9,980. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $35,850. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Fullerton College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, Fullerton College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $1,151 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,379. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,366.
[General Journalism](/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/general-journalism/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
