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2026 Best Value General Journalism Schools in Indiana

3 Colleges in the United States
$23,341 Avg Student Debt
$62,002 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Journalism Badge [General Journalism](/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/general-journalism/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 13 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general journalism students.

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2026 Best Value General Journalism Schools in Indiana

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general journalism, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value General Journalism Schools

1

Leading the list is Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, our #1 best value for general journalism in Indiana. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Students borrow a median of $22,837 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $38,540. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University Bloomington earned it the #2 place for general journalism. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the general journalism program here. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $39,992. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%.

3

Ball State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general journalism, landing the #3 spot this year. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,675 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Ball State University generally make around $31,398. Set against $25,675 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

4
Butler University crest
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

A rank of #4 makes Butler University one of the best values for general journalism. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Butler University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,560. Students borrow a median of $25,351 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Butler University generally make around $68,222. That is a strong return on a $25,351 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 13 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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