2026 Best Value General Journalism Schools in District of Columbia

1

George Washington University
Washington, DC

George Washington University tops our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools in District of Columbia. Located in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. General Journalism graduates of George Washington University earn a median of $52,015 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 47%.

2

Georgetown University
Washington, DC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Georgetown University earned it the #2 place for general journalism. Georgetown University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,089. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $16,483 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Georgetown University generally make around $59,912. Set against $16,483 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 13%.

3

American University
Washington, DC

American University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Set in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. General Journalism graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $47,180. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%.