Best Value Journalism Colleges in Pennsylvania

Lincoln University delivers the strongest return on investment for journalism students in Pennsylvania, with graduates earning $36,852 annually after paying just $12,912 in net costs. This creates an earnings-to-cost ratio that outperforms even schools costing three times more. The state's 20 journalism programs show dramatic cost variation, from Lincoln's bargain price to Duquesne's $34,978 net expense. Pennsylvania's media market offers solid career prospects, with major employers like Comcast headquartered in Philadelphia and regional newspapers serving communities across the state. Public universities generally provide better value, though private options like Susquehanna achieve 74.1% graduation rates. The earnings gap between programs spans $11,194, from Point Park's $25,658 to Lincoln's top figure. Students benefit from Pennsylvania's proximity to major East Coast media markets while enjoying lower living costs than New York or Washington DC.

Programs

$12,912 – $34,978

Net Price Range

$31,865

Avg. Program Earnings

68.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Journalism Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Lincoln University Lincoln University, Pennsylvania	$12,912	$36,852	$12,512	52.1%	80.6%
2	Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus Indiana, Pennsylvania	$17,216	$26,739	$11,380	52.4%	91.9%
3	Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Shippensburg, Pennsylvania	$23,553	$30,554	$13,544	51.6%	87.8%
4	Susquehanna University Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania	$26,539	$33,176	$57,400	74.1%	76.7%
5	Temple University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$29,219	$32,888	$22,082	74.7%	79.7%
6	Point Park University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$24,791	$25,658	$38,160	59.6%	82.1%
7	Lehigh University Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	$33,549	$33,993	$62,180	89.2%	37.0%
8	Duquesne University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$34,978	$35,060	$47,146	75.5%	87.5%
9	Wilson College Chambersburg, Pennsylvania	$21,241		$27,000	51.8%	94.1%
10	Chatham University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$25,717		$43,810	66.2%	66.3%
11	Widener University Chester, Pennsylvania	$30,470		$53,638	63.5%	87.7%
12	Westminster College New Wilmington, Pennsylvania	$20,800		$39,470	65.9%	75.3%
13	Seton Hill University Greensburg, Pennsylvania	$22,558		$41,414	71.0%	78.3%
14	University of Scranton Scranton, Pennsylvania	$30,528		$52,309	80.8%	84.4%
15	University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$30,074		$21,524	84.3%	49.1%
16	University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown Johnstown, Pennsylvania	$18,952		$14,646	53.4%	97.4%
17	Messiah University Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania	$27,686		$40,640	78.5%	79.4%
18	Marywood University Scranton, Pennsylvania	$22,222		$39,570	72.5%	80.8%
19	Gannon University Erie, Pennsylvania	$23,206		$37,951	69.5%	80.9%
20	Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania	$26,198		$36,842	77.1%	81.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lincoln University such a strong value for journalism students?

Lincoln University combines the lowest net cost at $12,912 with the highest graduate earnings at $36,852 among Pennsylvania journalism programs. This creates an strong return on investment that's difficult to match elsewhere. The 80.61% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, while the earnings potential exceeds many programs costing twice as much.

How do public and private journalism programs compare in Pennsylvania?

Public universities typically offer better value, with Indiana University of Pennsylvania charging just $11,380 for in-state students. Private schools like Lehigh command $62,180 in tuition but deliver 89.2% graduation rates and strong alumni networks. The cost gap between sectors can exceed $40,000 annually, making public options attractive for debt-conscious students.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Pennsylvania journalism schools?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, with Lehigh's $33,549 net cost paired with an 89.2% graduation rate. However, exceptions exist like Susquehanna, which achieves 74.1% completion at a more moderate $26,539 net price. Lincoln University maintains solid outcomes at 52.1% despite its low cost structure.

Where do Pennsylvania journalism graduates typically find employment?

Pennsylvania's media sector includes Comcast's Philadelphia headquarters, regional newspapers, and healthcare communications roles with UPMC. The state's position between New York and Washington DC provides access to major media markets without the extreme living costs. Local TV stations, digital media companies, and corporate communications departments actively recruit from state programs.

What debt levels should students expect from Pennsylvania journalism programs?

Reported debt levels range from $19,500 at Lehigh University to $26,374 at Point Park University among schools providing data. Public universities like Temple show $24,000 average debt, while Indiana University of Pennsylvania reports $21,582. The PA State Grant program helps reduce borrowing for eligible in-state students across all program types.

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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.