Best Value Journalism Colleges in Kentucky

Murray State University delivers the strongest earning potential for Kentucky journalism graduates at $32,569 annually, while Northern Kentucky University offers the lowest net cost at just $7,168. This 78% earnings difference highlights how program choice impacts career outcomes in a state where media companies like Kentucky Educational Television and major employers such as UPS require skilled communications professionals. The University of Kentucky combines solid $31,783 graduate earnings with a 69.90% graduation rate, though at nearly triple Northern Kentucky's cost.

Programs

$7,168 – $20,428

Net Price Range

$29,160

Avg. Program Earnings

51.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Journalism Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, Kentucky	$7,168	$29,183	$10,896	48.3%	86.0%
2	Murray State University Murray, Kentucky	$9,121	$32,569	$9,708	59.5%	84.0%
3	Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, Kentucky	$10,916	$29,685	$11,436	53.7%	97.0%
4	Kentucky State University Frankfort, Kentucky	$8,900	$22,578	$9,214	27.1%	91.5%
5	University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky	$17,218	$31,783	$13,212	69.9%	94.9%
6	Asbury University Wilmore, Kentucky	$20,428		$33,640	65.0%	78.7%
7	Campbellsville University Campbellsville, Kentucky	$18,246		$26,990	47.1%
8	University of the Cumberlands Williamsburg, Kentucky	$11,286		$9,875	46.2%	83.0%
9	Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Kentucky	$9,962		$10,130	49.7%	64.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $25,401 earnings gap between Kentucky's highest and lowest-paying journalism programs?

Murray State leads at $32,569 while Kentucky State trails at $22,578, reflecting differences in program resources, industry connections, and alumni networks. Murray State's 59.50% graduation rate also suggests stronger program completion support compared to Kentucky State's 27.10% rate.

How do public university costs compare for in-state journalism students?

In-state tuition ranges from $9,214 at Kentucky State to $13,212 at University of Kentucky, a relatively narrow $3,998 spread. However, net costs after aid vary more dramatically, from $7,168 at Northern Kentucky to $17,218 at UK.

Does higher cost correlate with better graduation rates in Kentucky journalism programs?

The University of Kentucky charges $17,218 net cost and achieves a 69.90% graduation rate, while Northern Kentucky costs $7,168 with a 48.30% rate. However, Murray State breaks this pattern by combining moderate $9,121 costs with strong 59.50% completion rates.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.