Best Value Journalism Colleges in Texas

Texas journalism programs reveal a striking cost divide, with net prices spanning from $11,268 at Texas A&M Commerce to $41,942 at Baylor University. While private institutions command premium tuition, the earnings gap tells a different story. UT Austin graduates earn $37,980 annually despite moderate net costs of $19,678, while Texas State graduates face the lowest earnings at $19,749. This disparity reflects Texas's media market, where major markets like Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston house headquarters for major broadcasting networks and newspapers including The Dallas Morning News and Houston Chronicle. The state's 87% acceptance rate average at public journalism programs contrasts sharply with UT Austin's selective 31% rate. Students weighing value should consider that University of Houston delivers solid $30,119 earnings at just $13,853 net cost, while Texas Christian University's $38,289 graduate earnings justify its $33,531 price tag for many families.

Programs

$11,268 – $41,942

Net Price Range

$33,195

Avg. Program Earnings

57.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Journalism Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Texas A & M University-Commerce Commerce, Texas	$11,268	$27,978	$10,026	45.9%	86.5%
2	University of North Texas Denton, Texas	$14,352	$35,021	$11,164	59.6%	79.1%
3	The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, Texas	$15,235	$35,060	$11,728	56.5%	80.8%
4	University of Houston Houston, Texas	$13,853	$30,119	$9,711	64.9%	66.2%
5	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$37,980	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%
6	Texas Tech University Lubbock, Texas	$20,071	$32,284	$11,852	67.5%	67.3%
7	Texas State University San Marcos, Texas	$16,438	$19,749	$11,450	56.2%	87.7%
8	Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas	$33,531	$38,289	$57,220	85.6%	56.1%
9	Baylor University Waco, Texas	$41,942	$38,906	$54,844	80.2%	45.9%
10	Southern Methodist University Dallas, Texas	$41,778	$36,560	$64,460	83.3%	52.3%
11	West Texas A & M University Canyon, Texas	$20,841		$9,101	47.3%	91.6%
12	Abilene Christian University Abilene, Texas	$27,401		$42,380	60.2%	65.8%
13	Texas Southern University Houston, Texas	$19,734		$9,173	19.9%	96.8%
14	Southwestern Adventist University Keene, Texas	$20,581		$24,588	41.1%	53.6%
15	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$15,152		$10,600	51.7%	89.5%
16	Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, Texas	$17,760		$31,728	42.4%
17	University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, Texas	$28,690		$33,150	53.4%	95.7%
18	University of the Incarnate Word San Antonio, Texas	$20,498		$35,660	51.8%	94.2%
19	Houston Christian University Houston, Texas	$19,710		$38,100	49.8%	84.5%
20	Angelo State University San Angelo, Texas	$12,915		$8,319	40.7%	79.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UT Austin worth its $19,678 net cost for journalism students?

UT Austin graduates earn $37,980 annually, the second-highest among Texas journalism programs, while maintaining an impressive 87.6% graduation rate. The program's selectivity at 31% acceptance creates smaller cohorts and stronger alumni networks. Students gain access to Austin's thriving media scene and state capitol coverage opportunities that boost career prospects significantly.

How do public journalism programs compare to private options in Texas?

Public programs average $15,000-20,000 in net costs while private institutions range from $27,000-42,000 annually. However, earnings differences are modest, with Baylor's $38,906 graduate earnings only slightly exceeding UT Austin's $37,980. Public options like University of North Texas offer strong value at $14,352 with $35,021 graduate earnings and 59.6% graduation rates.

Is University of Houston a good value choice for journalism majors?

University of Houston delivers excellent value with $30,119 graduate earnings at just $13,853 net cost, ranking among the most affordable options. The program maintains a solid 64.9% graduation rate and benefits from Houston's massive media market. Students access internships at major outlets while keeping debt manageable at $18,750 average.

Does Texas journalism job market justify program costs?

Texas hosts major media companies including Clear Channel Communications and newspaper chains, creating substantial internship and job opportunities. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex ranks as the fourth-largest media market nationally, while Houston ranks fifth. Graduate earnings ranging from $19,749 to $38,906 reflect this market strength, though entry-level positions often start lower than program averages suggest.

Where should cost-conscious students focus their journalism applications?

Texas A&M Commerce offers the lowest net cost at $11,268 with $27,978 graduate earnings, though graduation rates lag at 45.9%. University of Houston and University of North Texas provide stronger completion rates above 59% while maintaining affordable costs under $15,000. Students should avoid Texas Southern University despite low costs due to its concerning 19.9% graduation rate.

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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.