2026 Best Value Journalism Schools in New Jersey

1

Ocean County College
Toms River, NJ

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.

2

Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ

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%.

3

Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

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%.

4

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

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.

5

The College Of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ

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%.

6

Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ

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%.