2026 Best Value Publishing Master’s Degree Schools

1

Portland State University
Portland, OR

Portland State University tops our 2026 list of the best value publishing schools in the United States. Portland State University is a very large public school located in the city of Portland. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Publishing graduates carry a median of $26,475 in student loans. Publishing graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $23,449 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

2

Pace University New York
New York, NY

Students looking for strong value in publishing will find it at Pace University New York, which ranked #2. Set in the city of New York, Pace University New York is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,510. Typical student debt for publishing graduates is $25,670. Publishing graduates of Pace University New York earn a median of $41,812 early in their careers. Set against $25,670 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Pace University New York admits about 76% of applicants.

3

New York University
New York, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at New York University earned it the #3 place for publishing. Set in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. Typical student debt for publishing graduates is $21,897. Publishing graduates of New York University earn a median of $48,633 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University admits about 9% of applicants.

4

George Washington University
Washington, DC

Students looking for strong value in publishing will find it at George Washington University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete the publishing program here. Early-career publishing graduates make about $58,819. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants.

5

Emerson College
Boston, MA

A rank of #5 makes Emerson College one of the best values for publishing. Emerson College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,056. Typical student debt for publishing graduates is $24,813. Soon after graduation, publishing degree recipients from Emerson College generally make around $44,046. That is a strong return on a $24,813 median debt. Emerson College admits about 51% of applicants.