2026 Best Value Journalism Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earned the #1 spot for value among journalism schools in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Journalism graduates carry a median of $22,837 in student loans. Early-career journalism graduates make about $38,540. That is a strong return on a $22,837 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.

2

University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI

A rank of #2 makes University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh one of the best values for journalism. Set in the city of Oshkosh, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $24,619. Journalism graduates of University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh earn a median of $50,590 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,619 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants.

3

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington is a great value for students pursuing a degree in journalism, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $39,992. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Journalism graduates carry a median of $22,300 in student loans. Journalism graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $36,303 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

5

Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Youngstown State University is a large public school located in the city of Youngstown. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $26,373. Journalism graduates of Youngstown State University earn a median of $49,025 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

6

Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL

Eastern Illinois University came in at #6 for value in journalism this year. Set in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Students borrow a median of $24,293 to complete the journalism program here. Journalism graduates of Eastern Illinois University earn a median of $43,603 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,293 median debt. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants.

7

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University earned the #7 position for value in journalism this year. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete the journalism program here. Journalism graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $31,753 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted.

8

Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Oakland University is a large public school located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the journalism program here. Journalism graduates of Oakland University earn a median of $35,545 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants.

9

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #9 spot for journalism value this year. Located in the town of Whitewater, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the journalism program here. Journalism graduates of University Of Wisconsin Whitewater earn a median of $36,139 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

10

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #10 spot for journalism value this year. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $23,250. Early-career journalism graduates make about $40,942. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%.

11

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

Ball State University came in at #11 for value in journalism this year. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Journalism graduates carry a median of $25,675 in student loans. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Ball State University generally make around $31,398. Set against $25,675 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

12

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

Wayne State University earned the #12 position for value in journalism this year. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete the journalism program here. Journalism graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $26,591 early in their careers. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

13

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Ohio State University Main Campus landed the #13 spot for journalism value this year. Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Students borrow a median of $23,346 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $31,955. That is a strong return on a $23,346 median debt. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants.

14

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University came in at #14 for value in journalism this year. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Journalism graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Central Michigan University generally make around $25,033. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

15

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Located in the town of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $25,500. Journalism graduates of Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of $40,575 early in their careers. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

16

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI

University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire earned the #16 position for value in journalism this year. Located in the city of Eau Claire, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Journalism graduates carry a median of $22,574 in student loans. Early-career journalism graduates make about $49,911. Set against $22,574 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

17

Illinois State University
Normal, IL

Illinois State University came in at #17 for value in journalism this year. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $23,500. Journalism graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $36,643 early in their careers. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

18

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern Michigan University landed the #18 spot for journalism value this year. Located in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Students borrow a median of $30,735 to complete the journalism program here. Early-career journalism graduates make about $31,845. Set against $30,735 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

19

Kent State University At Kent
Kent, OH

Kent State University At Kent earned the #19 position for value in journalism this year. Located in the suburb of Kent, Kent State University At Kent is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Journalism graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Journalism graduates of Kent State University At Kent earn a median of $43,468 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

20

Ohio University Main Campus
Athens, OH

Ohio University Main Campus placed #20 among the best values for journalism. Set in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Journalism graduates carry a median of $24,208 in student loans. Early-career journalism graduates make about $38,246. That is a strong return on a $24,208 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants.

21

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #21 among the best values for journalism. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,985 to complete the journalism program here. Early-career journalism graduates make about $36,912. Set against $24,985 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%.

22

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #22 spot for journalism value this year. Set in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the journalism program here. Early-career journalism graduates make about $41,159. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.

23

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #23 among the best values for journalism. Located in the city of Cincinnati, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Journalism graduates carry a median of $26,250 in student loans. Early-career journalism graduates make about $34,829. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

24

North Central College
Naperville, IL

North Central College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. North Central College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Naperville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,726. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $25,699. Journalism graduates of North Central College earn a median of $46,247 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,699 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

25

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL

Columbia College Chicago landed the #25 spot for journalism value this year. Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. Journalism graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career journalism graduates make about $31,369. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants.