2020 Most Affordable Online Journalism Degrees
Ranked by affordability, these 23 schools all offer online low-cost bachelor’s degrees in journalism. Southern Utah University, the #1 option, charges only $6,006 per year. In the #2 spot is the University of Iowa, offering a BS in Sport and Recreation Management with a concentration in Communications Public Relations/Journalism for $8,073 per academic year.
You can read more about our ranked schools below or browse our rankings of the most affordable online master’s in journalism degrees. View our methodology or learn more about OnlineU.Find an Online Degree: – Select a Program – AccountingAerospace EngineeringAnthropologyArt & DesignArt HistoryAutomotive TechnologyAviationBiologyBusinessBusiness AdministrationCAD/Computer Aided DraftingChemistryChild DevelopmentChristian CounselingCivil EngineeringClinical PsychologyCommunicationsComputer EngineeringComputer ForensicsComputer NetworkingComputer ProgrammingComputer ScienceConflict ResolutionConstruction ManagementCounselingCounseling PsychologyCreative WritingCriminal JusticeCriminologyCulinary ArtsCurriculum & InstructionCybersecurityData ScienceDatabase AdministrationDental AssistantDivinityDNPEarly Childhood EducationEconomicsEducationEducational LeadershipElectrical EngineeringElectricianElementary EducationEmergency ManagementEngineeringEngineering ManagementEnglishEntrepreneurshipEnvironmental ScienceESLFashionFinanceFine ArtsFire ScienceForensic AccountingForensic PsychologyForensic ScienceGeographic Information SystemsGraphic DesignGunsmithingHealth EducationHealth SciencesHealthcare AdministrationHealthcare InformaticsHealthcare ManagementHigher EducationHistoryHomeland SecurityHospitality ManagementHuman ResourcesHuman ServicesHVACIndustrial DesignIndustrial EngineeringInformation AssuranceInformation TechnologyInstructional TechnologyInterior DesignInternational BusinessJournalismLandscape DesignLawLaw EnforcementLegal StudiesLiberal ArtsLiberal StudiesLibrary ScienceManagementMarketingMarriage & Family TherapyMathematicsMBAMechanical EngineeringMedical AssistantMedical Billing & CodingMedical Office AdministrationMFAMinistryMPAMSWMusicNetwork AdministrationNetwork SecurityNurse Practitioner (NP)NursingNutritionOccupational SafetyOccupational TherapyOccupational Therapy AssistantOrganizational LeadershipParalegalPersonal TrainingPharmacyPharmacy TechnicianPhilosophyPhotographyPhysical EducationPhysical TherapyPhysician AssistantPhysicsPolitical ScienceProject ManagementPsychologyPublic AdministrationPublic HealthPublic RelationsPublic Safety ManagementReading & Literacy EducationReal EstateReligious StudiesRespiratory TherapySchool CounselingSchool PsychologySecondary EducationSocial SciencesSocial WorkSociologySoftware EngineeringSpanishSpecial EducationSpeech PathologySports ManagementSports PsychologySubstance Abuse CounselingSupply Chain ManagementSystems EngineeringTeachingTechnical SupportTheologyVeterinary TechnicianVideo Game DesignVocationalWeb DesignWeb DevelopmentWriting – Select a Degree Level -Associate DegreeBachelor’s DegreeMaster’s Degree SearchADVERTISEMENT All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| # 1 | Southern Utah University | $6,006 |
| # 2 | University of Iowa | $8,073 |
| # 3 | Lynn University | $9,000 |
| # 4 | Southern Illinois University – Carbondale | $9,637 |
| # 5 | University of New Mexico | $10,795 |
| # 6 | Eastern Oregon University | $11,340 |
| # 7 | Wilmington University | $11,430 |
| # 8 (tie) | Liberty University | $11,700 |
| # 8 (tie) | Southeastern University | $11,700 |
| # 8 (tie) | University of Massachusetts – Amherst | $11,700 |
| # 11 (tie) | Fisher College | $11,850 |
| # 11 (tie) | Regent University Online | $11,850 |
| # 13 | University of North Dakota | $11,970 |
| # 14 | Indiana Institute of Technology | $12,120 |
| # 15 | New England College | $12,150 |
| # 16 | Bellevue University | $13,175 |
| # 17 | Upper Iowa University | $14,130 |
| # 18 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $14,280 |
| # 19 | The University of Arizona Global Campus | $14,550 |
| # 20 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | $14,594 |
| # 21 | University of Colorado Denver | $15,270 |
| # 22 | Arizona State University | $15,900 |
| # 23 | Brenau University | $19,530 |
Find an Online Degree: – Select a Program – AccountingAerospace EngineeringAnthropologyArt & DesignArt HistoryAutomotive TechnologyAviationBiologyBusinessBusiness AdministrationCAD/Computer Aided DraftingChemistryChild DevelopmentChristian CounselingCivil EngineeringClinical PsychologyCommunicationsComputer EngineeringComputer ForensicsComputer NetworkingComputer ProgrammingComputer ScienceConflict ResolutionConstruction ManagementCounselingCounseling PsychologyCreative WritingCriminal JusticeCriminologyCulinary ArtsCurriculum & InstructionCybersecurityData ScienceDatabase AdministrationDental AssistantDivinityDNPEarly Childhood EducationEconomicsEducationEducational LeadershipElectrical EngineeringElectricianElementary EducationEmergency ManagementEngineeringEngineering ManagementEnglishEntrepreneurshipEnvironmental ScienceESLFashionFinanceFine ArtsFire ScienceForensic AccountingForensic PsychologyForensic ScienceGeographic Information SystemsGraphic DesignGunsmithingHealth EducationHealth SciencesHealthcare AdministrationHealthcare InformaticsHealthcare ManagementHigher EducationHistoryHomeland SecurityHospitality ManagementHuman ResourcesHuman ServicesHVACIndustrial DesignIndustrial EngineeringInformation AssuranceInformation TechnologyInstructional TechnologyInterior DesignInternational BusinessJournalismLandscape DesignLawLaw EnforcementLegal StudiesLiberal ArtsLiberal StudiesLibrary ScienceManagementMarketingMarriage & Family TherapyMathematicsMBAMechanical EngineeringMedical AssistantMedical Billing & CodingMedical Office AdministrationMFAMinistryMPAMSWMusicNetwork AdministrationNetwork SecurityNurse Practitioner (NP)NursingNutritionOccupational SafetyOccupational TherapyOccupational Therapy AssistantOrganizational LeadershipParalegalPersonal TrainingPharmacyPharmacy TechnicianPhilosophyPhotographyPhysical EducationPhysical TherapyPhysician AssistantPhysicsPolitical ScienceProject ManagementPsychologyPublic AdministrationPublic HealthPublic RelationsPublic Safety ManagementReading & Literacy EducationReal EstateReligious StudiesRespiratory TherapySchool CounselingSchool PsychologySecondary EducationSocial SciencesSocial WorkSociologySoftware EngineeringSpanishSpecial EducationSpeech PathologySports ManagementSports PsychologySubstance Abuse CounselingSupply Chain ManagementSystems EngineeringTeachingTechnical SupportTheologyVeterinary TechnicianVideo Game DesignVocationalWeb DesignWeb DevelopmentWriting – Select a Degree Level -Associate DegreeBachelor’s DegreeMaster’s Degree SearchADVERTISEMENT
#1 Southern Utah University
- Annual Tuition: $6,006
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: NWCCU
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Example Classes: Audio Production; Communication Research; Media and Society; Media Law; Multimedia Management; Video Production
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Science in Communication – Media Studies
#2 University of Iowa
- Annual Tuition: $8,073
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Example Classes: Classics of Sports Journalism: From Jack London to Grantland; Communication Skills for Leadership; Fundraising and Philanthropy Communication; New Media and the Future of Sport; Sport, Scandal, and Strategic Communication in Media Culture; The Business of Sport Communication
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management – Communications Public Relations/Journalism
#3 Lynn University
- Annual Tuition: $9,000
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: SACS COC
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Example Classes: Communication Law and Ethics; Media Literacy; Persuasion and Propaganda; Photojournalismte; Screenwriting; Television Production
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA in Communication and Media
#4 Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
- Annual Tuition: $9,637
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Example Classes: Copywriting; Creativity Across Platforms; Mass Communication in Society; Mass Communication Research; Social Issues in Advertising; Writing Across Platforms
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS in Journalism & Mass Communication
#5 University of New Mexico
- Annual Tuition: $10,795
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Example Classes: Communication in Organizations; Creative Concepts; History of Media; Professional Communication; Social Media for Journalism; Strategic Planning and Campaign Development
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- BA in Journalism and Mass Communication – Strategic Communication
#6 Eastern Oregon University
- Annual Tuition: $11,340
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: NWCCU
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Example Classes: Are You Listening; Communication, Gender & Culture; Conflict Management; Intercultural Communication; Media, Power, and Difference; Public Relations Principle & Practice
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA in Communication Studies – Media
#7 Wilmington University
- Annual Tuition: $11,430
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: MSCHE
- Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
- Example Classes: Basic InDesign; Internet Marketing; Legal Aspects of Communication; Managing Crisis Communications; Streaming Media; Technical Communications and Project Management
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS in Communication – Integrated Marketing Communication
- BS in Communication – Media Communication
#8 Liberty University
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: SACS COC
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Example Classes: Advanced Expository Writing; Editing, Layout, & Publishing; Social Media Writing; Strategic Communication; Strategic Social Media; Technical Writing
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS: English and Writing: Journalism
#8 Southeastern University
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: SACS COC
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Example Classes: Cross-Cultural Communication; Digital Layout & Design; Interpreting Narratives and Ideologies; Magazine Design & Production; Mass Communication Theory; Storytelling and Persuasion
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Science Communication & Mass Media
- Bachelor of Science in Digital Media & Design
#8 University of Massachusetts – Amherst
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: NECHE
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Example Classes: Food Writing; Interviewing Skills for Journalists; Magazine Writing; Media, Public Relations & Propaganda; News Literacy
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Studies (Degree Completion)
- Bachelor of Science in Journalism Studies (Degree Completion)
#11 Fisher College
- Annual Tuition: $11,850
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: NECHE
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Example Classes: Advanced Reporting; Broadcast Journalism; Communication Theory; Media Criticism; Media Writing; Public Speaking
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Media Studies
#11 Regent University Online
- Annual Tuition: $11,850
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: SACS COC
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Example Classes: Communicating In The 21st Century; Narrative Concept And Development; Personal And Professional Editing; Reporting; Writing For Strategic Communication
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- B.A. in Communication – Journalism
#13 University of North Dakota
- Annual Tuition: $11,970
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Example Classes: Content Creation for Social Media; Digital Communication: Fundamentals; Digital Imaging Across Platforms; News Writing Fundamentals in the Online World; Readings/Projects in Communication; Writing for New and Traditional Media
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Digital Journalism
#14 Indiana Institute of Technology
- Annual Tuition: $12,120
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Example Classes: Language and Culture; Multimedia Journalism; Public Communication; Radio and Podcasting; Video Storytelling; Visual Meaning
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Journalism and Broadcasting
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Sports Media
#15 New England College
- Annual Tuition: $12,150
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: NECHE
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Example Classes: Communication Ethics; Contemporary Art and Media; Interpersonal Relationships and Interview Skills; Multimedia News Writing and Editing; Organizational Communication and Negotiation
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA in Communication/Journalism
- BA in Communication/Media Studies
#16 Bellevue University
- Annual Tuition: $13,175
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
- Example Classes: Communication and Popular Culture; Communication in the Digital Age; Communication: Putting Theory into Practice; Critical Thinking and Communication; Understanding Mass Media; Writing for Media
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication Studies – Mass Media
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies – Mass Media
- Communication – BS
#17 Upper Iowa University
- Annual Tuition: $14,130
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Example Classes: Feature Writing; News Editing; Principles of Interviewing; Sport Writing and Reporting; Web Publishing and Social Media
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies – Mass Media
- Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies – Sports Communication
#18 Colorado State University-Fort Collins
- Annual Tuition: $14,280
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Example Classes: Advertising; Digital Photography; Media in Society; Online Storytelling and Audience Engagement; Visual Communication; Writing for Specialized Magazines
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Communication
#19 The University of Arizona Global Campus
- Annual Tuition: $14,550
- School Type: For-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions
- Example Classes: Advanced Editorial & Feature Writing; Global Journalism; Journalism & Politics; Multimedia News Writing and Editing; Specialized Journalism; Visual Journalism
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA/Journalism and Mass Communication
#20 Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- Annual Tuition: $14,594
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: MSCHE
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Example Classes: Digital Multimedia Metrics; Idea Development and Media Writing; Issues for Newsroom Managers; Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications; Telecommunications Management; Writing for the Media
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Media
#21 University of Colorado Denver
- Annual Tuition: $15,270
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Example Classes: Business and Professional Speaking; Communication, China, and the US; Communication, Citizenship, and Social Justice; Communication, Prisons, and Social Justice; Presentational Speaking; Queer Media Studies
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Media & Cultural Studies
#22 Arizona State University
- Annual Tuition: $15,900
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Example Classes: Audience Acquisition and Engagement; Audience Research and Behavior; Exploring the Business of Journalism; Media Issues in American Pop Culture; Sports and Media; The Digital Audience
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA in Mass Communications & Media Studies
#23 Brenau University
- Annual Tuition: $19,530
- School Type: Non-Profit
- School Accreditation: SACS COC
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Example Classes: Anime and Japanese Culture; Careers in the Media; Effective Interpersonal Communication; Media and Entertainment Management; New Media Development; Newswriting and Copy Editing
Online Bachelor’s Degrees
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies
1TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs of 2021
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As colleges and universities navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re continuing our efforts to provide you with useful student resources and the latest online program information. Check our coronavirus resources page to learn more.
The United States Constitution guaranteed freedom of the press for a reason. The dissemination of accurate news, along with the publication of a variety of differing opinions, was viewed by the Framers as essential for a functioning democracy. A free and independent press allows for an informed population and plays an integral role in countless decisions at the local, state, and federal levels.
An online bachelor’s in journalism provides students with the skills and ethics needed for effective journalism. Seasoned journalists and media professionals often teach classes in these programs. Read on to learn more about undergraduate journalism degrees.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs of 2021? Here Are Our Top 10:
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| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas State University | San Marcos, TX |
| 2 | University of New Mexico | Albuquerque, NM |
| 3 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, PA |
| 4 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL |
| 6 | Mississippi College | Clinton, MS |
| 7 | Southern Illinois University | Carbondale, IL |
| 8 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA |
| 9 | National University | La Jolla, CA |
| 10 | Cameron University | Lawton, OK |
How We Rank Schools
2021 Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs
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| 1 | Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | COST:$$$$$ | GRADUATION RATE: 55% | |
| 2 | University of New Mexico | Albuquerque, NM | COST:$$$$$ | GRADUATION RATE: 50% | |
| 3 | Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | University Park, PA | COST:$$$$$ | GRADUATION RATE: 29% | |
| 4 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | COST:$$$$$ | GRADUATION RATE: 71% | |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | COST:$$$$$ | GRADUATION RATE: 72% | |
| 6 | Mississippi College | Clinton, MS | COST:$$$$$ | GRADUATION RATE: 53% | |
| 7 | Southern Illinois University | Carbondale, IL | COST:$$$$$ | GRADUATION RATE: 41% | |
| 8 | Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA | COST:$$$$$ | GRADUATION RATE: 59% | |
| 9 | National University | La Jolla, CA | COST:$$$$$ | GRADUATION RATE: 36% | |
| 10 | Cameron University | Lawton, OK | COST:$$$$$ | GRADUATION RATE: 23% |
What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Program?
While traditional journalism is in decline, the need for competent, ethical journalism is as essential today as at any other time in the past.
As journalism adapts to a modernizing digital media landscape, journalism programs have altered their programming to reflect this evolution, resulting in better-prepared graduates. Online bachelor’s in journalism programs offer many concentrations, such as TV and radio reporting, international reporting, and investigative journalism.
Undergraduate journalism degrees traditionally require students to complete 120 credits. While full-time learners can finish this degree in four years, part-time students often need longer. Additionally, students who complete general education requirements at other institutions can graduate more quickly.
Journalism coursework covers topics like editorial writing, news reporting, and digital media. Students also learn about journalism ethics, history, and visual media. Through an online format, students have the flexibility to navigate academic requirements while keeping up with personal and professional obligations.
While traditional journalism is in decline, the need for competent, ethical journalism is as essential today as at any other time in the past.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
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What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Program?
Online bachelor’s in journalism coursework varies from program to program. However, most programs cover similar core topics. This section highlights five courses that most schools offer.EXPAND ALLHistory of MediaMulticulturalism and the MediaJournalism Ethics and IssuesNews, Truth, and DeceptionNewswriting
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
- Scholarships and Financial Aid for Online College Students
- Your Guide to College Loans
- Your Guide to the FAFSA
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Journalism Degree?
Armed with writing and research skills, along with an understanding of the media landscape, graduates with a bachelor’s in journalism degree can pursue many career opportunities in a variety of media and communications fields.
Common job titles include newspaper reporter, editor, and copywriter. Journalism graduates can also apply their skills to digital outlets, broadcast news organizations, and freelance writing positions. While traditional journalism careers have declined in recent years, journalistic and writing skills apply to many professions.
See where an online bachelor’s in journalism can take you. Learn more about journalism careers here.Reporter
Reporters inform the public about international, national, and local news. Working for a variety of news outlets, reporters pitch ideas to editors; research stories and conduct interviews; and write articles for blogs, magazines, and newspapers. These news professionals develop relationships with experts, contacts, and other news professionals.EditorWriterTechnical WriterPublic Relations Specialist
Journalism Not for You? Check Out These Related Careers.
WRITING CAREERSPUBLIC RELATIONS CAREERSPOLITICAL SCIENCE CAREERS
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Journalism Programs
EXPAND ALLIs a bachelor’s in journalism worth it?What can I do with a bachelor’s in journalism?Are journalism majors in demand?How much money can I make with a bachelor’s in journalism?What are the highest paying jobs with a bachelor’s in journalism?
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