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2026 Best Value General Journalism Schools in Tennessee
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general journalism degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value General Journalism Schools
For return on investment in general journalism, no school beat Middle Tennessee State University this year. Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public school located in the city of Murfreesboro. In-state tuition and fees average $10,266, with out-of-state students paying around $31,574. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the general journalism program here. General Journalism graduates of Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of $30,659 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Memphis earned it the #2 place for general journalism. University Of Memphis is a very large public school located in the city of Memphis. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $26,875. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $32,820. That is a strong return on a $26,875 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Tennessee came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general journalism schools. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Typical student debt for general journalism graduates is $22,849. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $32,082. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.
A rank of #4 makes Austin Peay State University one of the best values for general journalism. Set in the city of Clarksville, Austin Peay State University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,006, with out-of-state students paying around $14,766. Students borrow a median of $24,530 to complete the general journalism program here. Early-career general journalism graduates make about $44,360. That is a strong return on a $24,530 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
Belmont University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general journalism, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $42,540. Students borrow a median of $23,447 to complete the general journalism program here. Soon after graduation, general journalism degree recipients from Belmont University generally make around $49,699. That is a strong return on a $23,447 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.
[General Journalism](/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/general-journalism/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
