2026 Best Value Communication & Journalism Schools in Arkansas

1

University Of Arkansas Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR

University Of Arkansas Fort Smith earned the #1 spot for value among communication & journalism schools in Arkansas. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fort Smith. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,334, with out-of-state students paying around $12,182. Communication & Journalism graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $28,951. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.

2

Southeast Arkansas College
Pine Bluff, AR

Southeast Arkansas College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in communication & journalism, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Pine Bluff, Southeast Arkansas College is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,200, compared with $8,650 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,008 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Communication & Journalism graduates of Southeast Arkansas College earn a median of $30,715 early in their careers. Set against $12,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Arkansas State University Main Campus
Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value communication & journalism schools. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Jonesboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,012 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Communication & Journalism graduates of Arkansas State University Main Campus earn a median of $40,745 early in their careers. Set against $23,012 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants.

4

Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arkansas Tech University earned it the #4 place for communication & journalism. Set in the town of Russellville, Arkansas Tech University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,674, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Communication & Journalism graduates carry a median of $23,558 in student loans. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $31,983. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas Tech University admits about 96% of applicants.

5

University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, AR

University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff is a great value for students pursuing a degree in communication & journalism, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Pine Bluff, University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $9,375 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,955 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,807 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Communication & Journalism graduates of University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff earn a median of $27,259 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 41%.

6

Pulaski Technical College
North Little Rock, AR

Pulaski Technical College came in at #6 for value in communication & journalism this year. Set in the city of North Little Rock, Pulaski Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,300, with out-of-state students paying around $9,450. Students borrow a median of $15,043 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Communication & Journalism graduates of Pulaski Technical College earn a median of $32,554 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Little Rock, AR

University Of Arkansas At Little Rock landed the #7 spot for communication & journalism value this year. Set in the city of Little Rock, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. Communication & Journalism graduates carry a median of $23,717 in student loans. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $33,417. That is a strong return on a $23,717 median debt. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR

University Of Central Arkansas earned the #8 position for value in communication & journalism this year. University Of Central Arkansas is a large public school located in the city of Conway. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. Students borrow a median of $24,136 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Communication & Journalism graduates of University Of Central Arkansas earn a median of $34,078 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,136 median debt. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants.

9

University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas came in at #9 for value in communication & journalism this year. University Of Arkansas is a very large public school located in the city of Fayetteville. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $21,418 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $39,171. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

10

Harding University
Searcy, AR

Harding University landed the #10 spot for communication & journalism value this year. Set in the town of Searcy, Harding University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. Students borrow a median of $26,854 to complete the communication & journalism program here. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $33,577. Set against $26,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harding University admits about 70% of applicants.

11

Ouachita Baptist University
Arkadelphia, AR

Ouachita Baptist University landed the #11 spot for communication & journalism value this year. Set in the town of Arkadelphia, Ouachita Baptist University is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,500. Typical student debt for communication & journalism graduates is $23,521. Early-career communication & journalism graduates make about $34,574. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ouachita Baptist University admits about 68% of applicants.