2026 Best Value Journalism Schools in the Southwest Region

1

Austin Community College District
Austin, TX

Our analysis ranked Austin Community College District the best value for a degree in journalism in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Austin, Austin Community College District is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,007 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Austin Community College District generally make around $44,895. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Oklahoma City Community College
Oklahoma City, OK

A rank of #2 makes Oklahoma City Community College one of the best values for journalism. Oklahoma City Community College is a large public school located in the city of Oklahoma City. Students from in state pay about $4,059 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,810. Students borrow a median of $8,250 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Oklahoma City Community College generally make around $39,848. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt.

3

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in journalism, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $18,250. Journalism graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of $32,825 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

4

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northeastern State University earned it the #4 place for journalism. Set in the town of Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,290. Journalism graduates carry a median of $23,465 in student loans. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Northeastern State University generally make around $49,353. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%.

5

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

A rank of #5 makes Arizona State University one of the best values for journalism. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Journalism graduates carry a median of $19,937 in student loans. Journalism graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $43,126 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of North Texas
Denton, TX

University Of North Texas earned the #6 position for value in journalism this year. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $19,877 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from University Of North Texas generally make around $38,118. That is a strong return on a $19,877 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

7

University Of Houston
Houston, TX

University Of Houston ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Journalism graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career journalism graduates make about $36,226. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

University Of Arizona earned the #8 position for value in journalism this year. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $20,520. Early-career journalism graduates make about $36,521. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants.

9

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University landed the #9 spot for journalism value this year. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $18,062. Early-career journalism graduates make about $33,710. Set against $18,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

10

Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #10 spot for journalism value this year. Located in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Journalism graduates carry a median of $22,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Oklahoma State University Main Campus generally make around $31,068. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants.

11

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #11 spot for journalism value this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,250 to complete the journalism program here. Journalism graduates of University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn a median of $36,744 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants.

12

Texas State University San Marcos
San Marcos, TX

Texas State University San Marcos landed the #12 spot for journalism value this year. Located in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Students borrow a median of $20,847 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Texas State University San Marcos generally make around $33,255. That is a strong return on a $20,847 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

13

University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM

University Of New Mexico Main Campus earned the #13 position for value in journalism this year. University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Albuquerque. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $13,606. Journalism graduates of University Of New Mexico Main Campus earn a median of $32,423 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,606 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%.

14

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #14 spot for journalism value this year. Located in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Journalism graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career journalism graduates make about $39,336. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%.

15

University Of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK

University Of Central Oklahoma came in at #15 for value in journalism this year. Set in the suburb of Edmond, University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, with out-of-state students paying around $19,704. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the journalism program here. Journalism graduates of University Of Central Oklahoma earn a median of $28,139 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

16

Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University placed #16 among the best values for journalism. Texas Tech University is a very large public school located in the city of Lubbock. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Journalism graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Journalism graduates of Texas Tech University earn a median of $29,622 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.

17

Texas Southern University
Houston, TX

Texas Southern University landed the #17 spot for journalism value this year. Set in the city of Houston, Texas Southern University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,637 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,473 for out-of-state students. Journalism graduates carry a median of $34,750 in student loans. Journalism graduates of Texas Southern University earn a median of $18,301 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Southern University admits about 97% of applicants.

18

Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TX

Abilene Christian University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Set in the city of Abilene, Abilene Christian University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,200. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Abilene Christian University generally make around $56,463. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

19

Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University landed the #19 spot for journalism value this year. Located in the city of Fort Worth, Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Journalism graduates carry a median of $22,960 in student loans. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Texas Christian University generally make around $60,035. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants.

20

Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University came in at #20 for value in journalism this year. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. Journalism graduates carry a median of $19,448 in student loans. Early-career journalism graduates make about $40,502. That is a strong return on a $19,448 median debt. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.

21

Baylor University
Waco, TX

Baylor University landed the #21 spot for journalism value this year. Set in the city of Waco, Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,100. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $23,959. Journalism graduates of Baylor University earn a median of $35,675 early in their careers. Set against $23,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 51% of applicants are accepted.