2026 Best Value General Journalism Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

Cuny Bernard M Baruch College
New York, NY

Leading the list is Cuny Bernard M Baruch College, our #1 best value for general journalism in the United States. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Bernard M Baruch College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,464, compared with $15,414 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $13,717. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Cuny Bernard M Baruch College generally make around $22,839. Set against $13,717 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,054 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $38,164. Set against $17,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.

3

Cuny Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY

Cuny Brooklyn College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,452, with out-of-state students paying around $15,402. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $10,290 in student loans. General Journalism graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College earn a median of $40,843 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,290 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.

4

California State University Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA

California State University Dominguez Hills came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Set in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,454 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $15,886. General Journalism graduates of California State University Dominguez Hills earn a median of $52,683 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,886 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

5

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general journalism, landing the #5 spot this year. California State University Fresno is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. General Journalism graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $49,502 early in their careers. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

6

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Located in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $15,480. General Journalism graduates of California State University Northridge earn a median of $30,564 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants.

7

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $15,000. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $28,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.

8

University Of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

University Of Central Florida placed #8 among the best values for general journalism. University Of Central Florida is a very large public school located in the suburb of Orlando. Students from in state pay about $6,368 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $22,644. General Journalism graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $40,945 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants.

9

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. California State University Sacramento is a very large public school located in the city of Sacramento. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $20,000. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $30,644. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

10

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University Main Campus earned the #10 position for value in general journalism this year. Set in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Students borrow a median of $18,250 to complete the general journalism program here. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $32,825. That is a strong return on a $18,250 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

11

Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University placed #11 among the best values for general journalism. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $26,122. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $29,647. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Kentucky University admits about 68% of applicants.

12

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

San Francisco State University landed the #12 spot for general journalism value this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $16,875. General Journalism graduates of San Francisco State University earn a median of $31,788 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

13

Cuny York College
Jamaica, NY

Cuny York College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Set in the city of Jamaica, Cuny York College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,308 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $12,573. General Journalism graduates of Cuny York College earn a median of $24,535 early in their careers. Set against $12,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny York College admits about 64% of applicants.

14

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #14 spot for general journalism value this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $13,654 to complete the general journalism program here. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $33,250. That is a strong return on a $13,654 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

15

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
San Juan, PR

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Set in the city of San Juan, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,324. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $5,673. General Journalism graduates of University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras earn a median of $24,881 early in their careers. Set against $5,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.

16

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Students borrow a median of $22,837 to complete the general journalism program here. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $38,540. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

17

University Of Georgia
Athens, GA

University Of Georgia earned the #17 position for value in general journalism this year. University Of Georgia is a very large public school located in the city of Athens. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $21,120. General Journalism graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $36,636 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.

18

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University placed #18 among the best values for general journalism. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%.

19

University Of California Irvine
Irvine, CA

University Of California Irvine ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Set in the city of Irvine, University Of California Irvine is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $16,900. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $50,958. That is a strong return on a $16,900 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted.

20

University Of Mississippi Main Campus
University, MS

University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #20 among the best values for general journalism. Set in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,772 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,600. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $24,225. General Journalism graduates of University Of Mississippi Main Campus earn a median of $35,389 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

21

Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN

Middle Tennessee State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public school located in the city of Murfreesboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $20,500. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University generally make around $30,659. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%.

22

Utah State University
Logan, UT

Utah State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,993 for out-of-state students. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $16,710 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $41,431. Set against $16,710 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.

23

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV

West Virginia University placed #23 among the best values for general journalism. Located in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $24,250. General Journalism graduates of West Virginia University earn a median of $34,075 early in their careers. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Virginia University admits about 89% of applicants.

24

Marshall University
Huntington, WV

Marshall University came in at #24 for value in general journalism this year. Located in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,162, compared with $20,342 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $26,662. General Journalism graduates of Marshall University earn a median of $23,169 early in their careers. Set against $26,662 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

25

Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University earned the #25 position for value in general journalism this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $25,500. General Journalism graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $35,050 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.