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2026 Best Value Journalism Schools in New Jersey
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the journalism degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Journalism Schools
Ocean County College earned the #1 spot for value among journalism schools in New Jersey. Located in the suburb of Toms River, Ocean County College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,906, while out-of-state students pay about $6,970. Journalism graduates carry a median of $13,792 in student loans. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Ocean County College generally make around $41,306. Set against $13,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in journalism will find it at Montclair State University, which ranked #2. Montclair State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Montclair. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Journalism graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Journalism graduates of Montclair State University earn a median of $25,575 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Rowan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in journalism, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,238 to complete the journalism program here. Early-career journalism graduates make about $34,038. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Rutgers University New Brunswick earned it the #4 place for journalism. Set in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Rutgers University New Brunswick generally make around $32,523. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes The College Of New Jersey one of the best values for journalism. Located in the suburb of Ewing, The College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Students borrow a median of $24,429 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from The College Of New Jersey generally make around $42,217. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%.
ADBLOCK #101
Seton Hall University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Located in the suburb of South Orange, Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,170. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $23,422. Early-career journalism graduates make about $63,871. Set against $23,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.
[Journalism](/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
