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2026 Best Value Journalism Schools in Texas
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
For return on investment in journalism, no school beat Austin Community College District this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $8,007. Journalism graduates of Austin Community College District earn a median of $44,895 early in their careers. Set against $8,007 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Houston is a great value for students pursuing a degree in journalism, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public institution. 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. Journalism graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $36,226 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
University Of North Texas came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. University Of North Texas is a very large public school located in the city of Denton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Journalism graduates carry a median of $19,877 in student loans. Early-career journalism graduates make about $38,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
A rank of #4 makes Texas State University San Marcos one of the best values for journalism. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Journalism graduates carry a median of $20,847 in student loans. Journalism graduates of Texas State University San Marcos earn a median of $33,255 early in their careers. Set against $20,847 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants.
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Set in the city of Austin, The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Journalism graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Journalism graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $39,336 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%.
ADBLOCK #101
Texas Tech University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. 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, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the journalism program here. Journalism graduates of Texas Tech University earn a median of $29,622 early in their careers. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.
Texas Southern University came in at #7 for value in journalism this year. Texas Southern University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Houston. Students from in state pay about $8,637 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,473. 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. Set against $34,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Abilene Christian University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Located in the city of Abilene, Abilene Christian University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $44,200 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete the journalism program here. Journalism graduates of Abilene Christian University earn a median of $56,463 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.
Texas Christian University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Fort Worth. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $22,960. Journalism graduates of Texas Christian University earn a median of $60,035 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,960 median debt. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants.
Southern Methodist University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value journalism schools. Set in the suburb of Dallas, Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Journalism graduates carry a median of $19,448 in student loans. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Southern Methodist University generally make around $40,502. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted.
[Journalism](/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
