by our College Data Analytics Team
[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.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment for journalism students.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in journalism, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in journalism, no school beat Ocean County College this year. Set in the suburb of Toms River, Ocean County College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,906 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,970. Journalism graduates carry a median of $13,792 in student loans. Journalism graduates of Ocean County College earn a median of $41,306 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,792 median debt.
Montclair State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in journalism, landing the #2 spot this year. Montclair State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Montclair. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the journalism program here. 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%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Rutgers University Newark earned it the #3 place for journalism. Set in the city of Newark, Rutgers University Newark is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,250, compared with $36,762 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the journalism program here. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Rutgers University Newark generally make around $32,523. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rutgers University Newark admits about 71% of applicants.
Rowan University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value journalism schools. Rowan University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Glassboro. 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. Journalism graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $34,038 early in their careers. Set against $24,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Rutgers University New Brunswick one of the best values for journalism. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the journalism program here. Journalism graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $32,523 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
The College Of New Jersey placed #6 among the best values for journalism. Set in the suburb of Ewing, The College Of New Jersey is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Typical student debt for journalism graduates is $24,429. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from The College Of New Jersey generally make around $42,217. That is a strong return on a $24,429 median debt. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.