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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Journalism Schools in Arkansas

4 Colleges in the United States
$25,430 Avg Student Debt
$45,342 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Journalism Badge [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.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 8 schools to find the best return on investment for journalism students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Journalism Schools in Arkansas

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

1
Arkansas Tech University crest
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR

Our analysis ranked Arkansas Tech University the best value for a degree in journalism in Arkansas. Arkansas Tech University is a large public school located in the town of Russellville. In-state tuition and fees average $8,674, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Journalism graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Early-career journalism graduates make about $32,183. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants.

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff one of the best values for journalism. Set in the town of Pine Bluff, University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,375, while out-of-state students pay about $17,955. Students borrow a median of $28,807 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff generally make around $27,259. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 41%.

3

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Arkansas At Little Rock earned it the #3 place for journalism. Set in the city of Little Rock, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $27,093. Journalism graduates of University Of Arkansas At Little Rock earn a median of $47,170 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Central Arkansas came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. University Of Central Arkansas is a large public school located in the city of Conway. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from University Of Central Arkansas generally make around $31,911. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants.

5
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Set in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from University Of Arkansas generally make around $38,354. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 8 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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