11 Most Affordable Journalism Schools in the US

The ever present expense of college life for students can be overwhelming, even at the 11 most affordable journalism schools in the US. Students focusing on journalism majors have it especially hard, with many technology expenses and few journalism schools to choose from.

But there are affordable alternatives to spending stacks of cash on college. Just refer to the 7 Most Affordable Ivy League Schools in the US. And just because schools are focused on a particular field, namely journalism, doesn’t mean they have to cost an arm and a leg.

To determine the most affordable journalism schools, we referred to USA Today’s list of Top 10 Schools for Journalism in the US as well as International Student’s Top US Journalism Schools. We researched a variety of journalism and communication-focused schools throughout the country including these and listed them here from most to least expensive.

But college tuition and fees can be a tricky business, so remember that the numbers below should be considered rough estimates. We evaluated the tuition costs of graduate degrees, however, special programs and different types of communications degrees often cost different amounts of money. Also, journalism schools often require the purchase of a variety of software such as computer programs and high-end laptops, which we didn’t take into account unless mentioned. We also did not include any additional fees such as admission, room, board, health insurance, food, books, supplies and other costs. These rates are strictly tuition. But even that can rack up. Each year, tuition costs typically rise by a small percentage, so these are rates that apply to the fall and spring term of 2015-2016. We assumed the student attending was an in-state, full-time, graduate student. All other exceptions are included under each specific school.

We hope you find our list of 11 most affordable journalism schools in the US helpful. Aspiring Journalism majors are encouraged to use their writing skills to comment with any feedback.

11. Boston College of Communication – $47,422

This facet of Boston University was founded as a Public Relations school in 1947, making it the oldest communications school in the United States, though clearly not the least expensive.

10. Washington & Lee University – $45,460

This private, liberal arts institution is located in Lexington, Virginia, home state of both George Washington and Robert E. Lee for whom it is named.

9. USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism – $39,984

We accounted for two semesters or 24 credits of $1,666 per credit at this Los Angeles school which was founded in 1971.

8. Northwestern – $39,880

The cost of attending this university, located in both Evanston and Chicago, Illinois as well as in Qatar, is listed per course, so we assumed the student would take 8 courses between the 2015-2016 term, and took an average of several journalism course costs (between $4,000 and 5,000) to come up with our number.

7. NYU Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute – $37,296

This private, American research university serves as one of the largest non-profit organizations in higher education. We accounted for 24 credits at $1,554 per.

6. American University – $36,624

Unsurprisingly located in Washington DC, this school is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, though its curriculum is purely secular. We accounted for 24 credit hours at $1,526 per.

5. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – $36,572

For 8 courses at $4,571.50 per, this public research institute, the oldest in the country, is sure to provide an exquisite journalistic education just like the other 11 most affordable journalism schools in the US.

4. S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications – $33,312

A part of Syracuse University, this school features programs in both print and broadcast journalism, graphic design, film, television and public relations.

3. Cuny Graduate School of Journalism – $16,500

This fee also includes listed technology and software costs at the University of New York’s journalism institution which opened as recently as 2006.

2. University of California, Berkeley – $11,220

The cost mentioned is for new graduate students and runs $5,610 per semester. Aaron Rodgers, Steve Wozniak, and even Gregory Peck are proud alumni of Berkeley.

1. Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communication – $10,610

A part of Arizona State University, this school began in 1949 and remains a notable and award-winning journalism school to this day.

So middle-class students rejoice since you won’t have to give your left arm for an education now thanks to our list of the 11 most affordable journalism schools in the US.