2025 Most Affordable Online Journalism Degrees
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Rankings Insight Salary Experience
An affordable online journalism degree teaches students how to gather relevant information for a story, fact-check that information, and conduct both interviews and research to provide context. There are all kinds of programs to choose from in this field, so we provide a variety.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Budget-Conscious Students: UTPB and ASU offer the most affordable paths with strong student satisfaction rates.
Best for High-Earning Potential: UF, Arizona State, and SIU demonstrate strong post-graduate earnings relative to their cost.
Best for Specialization: SIU, UTPB, and UF offer plenty of tracks in Sports Media, PR, and Digital Communication.
Best for Large Online Learning Networks: SNHU, Purdue Global, and Liberty University stand out for scale and student support.
Best for Future-Focused Journalism: ASU鈥檚 Digital Media Literacy program prepares students for the evolving media landscape.
We manually research and verify all tuition costs to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate information available. For an in-depth overview, please visit our methodology page.
2025 Most Affordable Online Journalism Degrees
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | Odessa (TX) | $6,577 | |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro (AR) | $7,260 | |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock (AR) | $8,760 | |
| Regent University Online | Virginia Beach (VA) | $9,480 | |
| Southern Illinois University - Carbondale | Carbondale (IL) | $9,645 | |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston (AL) | $9,750 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | Manchester (NH) | $9,900 | |
| Purdue Global | Indianapolis (IN) | $11,130 | |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg (VA) | $11,700 | |
| Utah State University | Logan (UT) | $11,820 | |
| Wilmington University | New Castle (DE) | $12,570 | |
| Loyola University New Orleans | New Orleans (LA) | $14,040 | |
| Colorado State University - Fort Collins | Fort Collins (CO) | $14,280 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi (MD) | $14,970 | |
| University of Florida | Gainesville (FL) | $15,000 | |
| UMass Global | Multiple Locations | $15,000 | |
| University of Arizona | Tucson (AZ) (and 1 other) | $15,750 | |
| Maryville University | St. Louis (MO) | $16,200 | |
| Arizona State University, Online | Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others) | $17,220 | |
| Brenau University | Multiple Locations | $23,190 | |
| Academy of Art University | San Francisco (CA) | $35,112 |
A Closer Look at Affordable Online Journalism Degrees
Affordability is at the core of this ranking, but additional factors like student satisfaction, retention rates, and career outcomes also play a crucial role in assessing each program鈥檚 overall value. Below, our ranking highlights affordable programs, along with schools that justify higher tuition through strong student outcomes.
Schools with Maximum Financial Aid and Lower Debt
Affordability is a major concern for students, especially those entering fields like journalism, where starting salaries can be modest. The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) offers one of the lowest tuition rates at $6,577, making it a practical choice for students looking to minimize debt. Arkansas State University (ASU) follows at $7,260, with a strong 92% recommendation rate based on students' firsthand experiences. Meanwhile, schools like the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) and Southern Illinois University (SIU) provide reasonably priced degrees with smaller class sizes, which can lead to stronger faculty connections 鈥� valuable for aspiring journalists building their networks.
On the higher end, institutions such as Brenau University ($23,190) and Loyola University New Orleans ($14,040) counterbalance costs with substantial financial aid, with Loyola students receiving an average of $35,604. For those prioritizing affordability, schools where nearly all students secure aid 鈥� like Liberty University (98%) and ASU (100%) 鈥� offer a more financially sustainable path. Choosing a school with lower tuition and strong support can mean graduating with less debt, allowing journalism students to focus on their careers rather than loan payments.
Journalism Degrees That Pay
For prospective journalism students, earnings potential is a key factor when assessing the long-term value of an online degree. Among the schools we list, some stand out for offering graduates significantly higher median salaries compared to similar programs nationwide.
ASU has the #1 median salary among journalism graduates with its online digital media literacy program. Graduates earn a median salary of $51,112, which is in the top 25% of their peers, placing them among the top quarter of earners in the field. This program鈥檚 emphasis on digital media trends, misinformation analysis, and content verification aligns with marketable skills in journalism.
For prospective journalism students, earnings potential is a key factor when assessing the long-term value of an online degree.
The University of Florida also has an online journalism program that results in solid earnings potential, with graduates reporting a median salary of $49,760. This strong outcome is reinforced by a top-tier 90% graduation rate and 97% retention rate, meaning students not only enroll but successfully complete their degrees, which likely contributes to their career stability post-graduation.
The contrast in earnings potential is stark when looking at lower-ranked schools. Schools like Purdue Global and Wilmington University do not report high median earnings, despite their affordability. Their student outcomes 鈥� such as Purdue鈥檚 low retention rate of 17% and Wilmington鈥檚 19% graduation rate 鈥� suggest potential struggles with student completion, which can impact post-graduate earning potential.
Ultimately, students seeking the highest return on investment (ROI) should prioritize programs with both strong earnings data and high graduation rates, like UF, ASU, and Utah State, while weighing affordability and specialization options that align with their career aspirations.
What Do Students Say?
For journalism students, an online program isn鈥檛 just about convenience, it鈥檚 about access to the right resources, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience. Large journalism schools, like Southern New Hampshire University (135,584 online students) and Purdue Global (33,392), offer extensive digital resources, but their size can also mean less individualized support. Smaller programs, such as Utah State (3,641 students) and UALR (2,142), may foster a more interactive learning environment, which can be valuable for building connections with professors and peers.
A strong student recommendation rate is another key factor. High satisfaction scores at Utah State (98%) and Wilmington University (96%) suggest that students feel supported and engaged in their programs 鈥� critical for journalism majors who need mentorship and real-world training. Online schools like the University of Florida (91%) and Liberty University (87%) also receive strong backing from their students, reinforcing their credibility. For aspiring journalists, an online program should not only be affordable but also provide the tools and community needed to launch a successful career.
Journalism Specializations and Career Impact
For journalism students, the right program isn鈥檛 just about cost 鈥� it鈥檚 about finding a curriculum that aligns with career goals. UTPB offers flexibility with specializations in Communication Studies, Strategic Messaging, Professional Communication, and Sports Media, allowing students to tailor their degrees. ASU takes a broader approach, enabling students to double major in areas like Criminology or Political Science, which can be valuable for investigative reporting.
For those focused on traditional journalism, SIU offers hands-on specializations in Photojournalism, Sports Media, and Advertising, while Regent University incorporates a Christian-centered perspective. The University of Florida鈥檚 Sports & Media journalism track is a strong choice for aspiring sports reporters.
Students interested in emerging media fields might look to UMass Global and SNHU, which integrate digital journalism, branding, and media technology. ASU鈥檚 Digital Media Literacy degree, housed in the Walter Cronkite School, takes a cutting-edge approach by addressing misinformation, AI, and algorithmic bias. We believe these are critical topics in today鈥檚 media landscape.
EXPERT TIP
Choosing a specialization can make a journalism degree more impactful by equipping students with targeted skills that align with industry demands. Traditional journalism tracks, such as investigative reporting or political journalism, prepare students for roles in newspapers, magazines, and digital news platforms, where deep research and storytelling abilities are essential.
Final Takeaways: Which Online Journalism Degree is Right for You?
By evaluating cost, program flexibility, career prospects, and student satisfaction, you can make an informed decision when selecting the best online journalism degree.
Student success: UF offers a Bachelor of Science in Journalism - Sports & Media with an impressive graduation rate of 90%, placing it in the top 3% nationwide. This is the best graduation rate among those ranked for affordability.
Highest earnings: ASU Online stands out with its digital media literacy program, which boasts the best median graduate earning on our list of $51,112, just four years after graduation.
Most popular: SNHU Online is a leader in online education, with 135,584 distance learners, placing it in the top 1% in the nation. This makes it our most popular online school.
The right journalism degree can make all the difference, helping you gain critical skills, minimize debt, and land a stable job in a competitive industry. Whether you're looking for the most affordable online school, the best career outcomes, or a program with specialized training in sports media, digital journalism, or investigative reporting, our rankings provide a clear starting point.
In the table above, you can compare tuition, financial aid, and career prospects across top online journalism programs. Choosing wisely now can mean graduating with less debt and more opportunities. Find the best school for you and take the next step toward your journalism career!
Student Reviews of Online Journalism Programs
I enrolled with Ashford in 2011, and have never regretted the decision. I never had a problem and am surprised by some other's view of the school. From the time of application to completion everything that I experienced in the classes, the work, the faculty and financial department was on point.I graduated in April with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a GPA of 3.48, and am now Studying for my Master of Organization Management. I love it! A couple of things that... Read More
Review Date: 7/31/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I love everything about this school. I met my best friends and earned a wonderful skill set. The campus is beautiful and the staff are inviting. The staff are extremely helpful and experienced. I became heavily involved in the community on campus and it was one of the best decisions. At such a large school, it is important to find a way to make the campus feel smaller.
Review Date: 4/2/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I absolutely loved the School of journalism at the University of Arizona. The professors are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. It's a smaller school with a decent sized faculty team, which I really enjoyed. It allowed me to develop relationships with my professors and my classmates. There was a lot of one-on-one time and I never felt hesitant to ask questions or attend office hours. There are plenty of opportunities to go out in the field and perfect your journalism skills. This includes traveling... Read More
Review Date: 5/31/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Temple University is a solid institution committed to the learning development of all students, but more importantly, students of color. I like the school because the faculty are very well-versed in their field and use their networks to help students get jobs. The journalism school gives students a well rounded education and teaches them audio, photo and video production. As a former journalism student, I learned how to write, edit and shoot video which put me ahead of my competition for jobs on... Read More
Review Date: 3/9/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Chapman provides the educational tools students need to succeed, but could greatly improve on their staff and overall administration. They hire more than enough employees, but this means in order to answer one simple question, a student must go through 10 different people and multiple website links. The tuition is ridiculously high so you have to be emotionally prepared for the debt you'll put yourself through. Dodge, the film school is what Chapman is known for, but within the school, there are... Read More
Review Date: 12/11/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am finishing my senior year while subsequently beginning my graduate degree in the journalism program at the University of Alabama. By far my favorite thing about the department is the emphasis on internships and real-world experience. I have already worked an internship at The Tuscaloosa News and two campus magazines. I also love that most of my professors have been media professionals, so they know the business and what students need to succeed as journalists.
Review Date: 10/17/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Journalism at The University of Mississippi is a tremendous program that grooms students for the workforce. It prepares them for a real-world setting in which they would be conducting quality reporting and serving the public as purveyors of information. The program offers hands-on training, in which the professor will act as editor, and the student is required to report on matters on campus and in the community. It approximates an actual newsroom experience, and it even allows the student to get... Read More
Review Date: 5/14/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
University of La Verne's journalism program gets you ready for a career in the field right away. By offering participation in newspaper and magazine production, as well as radio and TV by having their own communication channels, you are able to gather enough experience to go out and hit the ground running as soon as you graduate. Excellent hands-on programs and instruction.
Review Date: 5/18/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication teaches students a variety of skills that makes them marketable for the ever-changing journalism industry. Classes such as the Future and Business of Journalism and Media Law prepare students for a rigorous and tulmutuous media landscape.
Review Date: 1/19/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
So this school has like 4 campuses that are fairly close to each other (30 minutes driving time between almost all of them) I'm going to talk about the highland campus. After starting at a for-profit school a year ago (art institute wrote a review if you're wondering) I tried enrolling at the highland campus. ALL STAFF IS EXTREMELY UNHELPFUL AND VERY VERY RUDE. I was appalled at how they treated me ( they being all financial aid, counseling, book/class fees workers) I will be attending a different... Read More
Review Date: 10/15/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Texas State University takes pride in its education system and I genuinely would like to applaud its Mass Communication and Journalism program. All of the professors have worked in their specific field for many years and are determined to teach you everything they know through their lectures and teachings.
Review Date: 6/6/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
West Texas A&M University provided a unique and fulling experience while I was an undergrad. While it is a smaller campus that just barely exceeded a total student enrollment of 10,000 students, there are numerous student organizations for almost everyone. As a student in the Sybil B. Harrington School of Fine Arts and Humanities, I received a great education from some of the best professors in the region.
Review Date: 4/30/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have loved everything about my experience at Hofstra so far. The school has given me so many opportunities in just three years here. I have met some of my best friends since attending, and I feel as if I have my own life away from home. It really feels like a community, in the school of communication and at the university as a whole. I could't see myself anywhere else!
Review Date: 7/25/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is an amazing school. It's relatively new, so they have pretty up-to-date technologies. They really emphasize internships, and most people graduate with about 6 internships, although only one is required to graduate. I had one every semester after my freshman year. However, it is not a good fit for everybody. They give the most opportunities to students wanting to be on-air anchors for traditional news or sports. There is very little... Read More
Review Date: 12/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
While the journalism program may have some room to grow as far as courses goes, the faculty is stacked with experienced and helpful professors. Getting to know them and asking for advice is one of the best things you can do for your future career! Very fun program especially for news/editorial majors
Review Date: 2/26/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The journalism teachers in all fields have phenomenal experience and internship connections.
Review Date: 9/27/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I believe that the best insight that I have to offer when it comes to summarizing my pursuit for my Bachelor's Degree would be the diverse roles of my college experience. I was a two sport Athlete, had a full time job, and took no less then 18 credits per semester. There are multiple aspects of college I would have changed and some that I would keep the same. I lived a diverse life of both on campus and off campus living styles and pursuits which I believe would be an attribute to others when making... Read More
Review Date: 6/21/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Iowa State University offers something for everybody. That sounds cliche, but here, it's actually true. I entered open option, or undecided, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The open option advisers help you pick classes that sound interesting to you. They know which questions to ask to help point you in the right direction. Once I got into the Greenlee School of Journalism and Mass Communications, I feel my confidence and abilities skyrocketed. The teachers, professors and advisers... Read More
Review Date: 8/6/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was a transfer student at the University of Florida and I felt like I had the whole college experience, despite only being in Gainesville for two years. Student life was a huge part of my experience at UF, and they have hundreds of clubs and organizations to choose from. Great academic programs, study abroad opportunities, and alumni connections.
Review Date: 12/3/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My education at CSULB truly made me a global citizen. I was involved in multiple facets of campus life, from student organizations, sports clubs and professional development. I spent most of my time in the college of Liberal Arts, where I studied journalism and Anthropology. The journalism program was a tightly knit community in which all professors know students by name. Students are encouraged by faculty to pursue publishing opportunities for the articles and projects developed in class. I was... Read More
Review Date: 12/29/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes