Cheapest Journalism Colleges in Indiana

Indiana's journalism programs span a remarkable $35,000 cost gap between the most and least expensive options. Indiana University-Southeast offers the state's most affordable journalism education at just $8,257 net annually, while Saint Mary-of-the-Woods reaches $43,465. This price variation reflects Indiana's mix of regional public universities and private colleges serving different student populations. Earnings data shows IU-Bloomington journalism graduates command the highest salaries at $39,134, compared to $33,993 at IU-Indianapolis. Indiana's media market benefits from the state's strong corporate presence, with companies like Eli Lilly and Cummins requiring skilled communications professionals. The 21st Century Scholars program helps qualifying students access these programs tuition-free, making journalism education more accessible across economic backgrounds. Public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with five schools under $16,000 net cost.

Programs

$8,257 – $43,465

Net Price Range

$36,062

Avg. Program Earnings

64.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Journalism Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Indiana University-Southeast New Albany, Indiana	$8,257	$8,179	33.4%	85.2%
2	Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$11,408	$10,449	53.9%	82.9%
3	University of Southern Indiana Evansville, Indiana	$12,621	$10,136	52.0%	94.4%
4	Huntington University Huntington, Indiana	$13,710	$29,982	68.2%	77.5%
5	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, Indiana	$15,342	$11,790	81.2%	82.4%
6	Goshen College Goshen, Indiana	$15,725	$37,760	60.5%	93.5%
7	Ball State University Muncie, Indiana	$15,898	$10,758	63.3%	69.0%
8	Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake, Indiana	$18,406	$30,034	69.9%	84.6%
9	University of Evansville Evansville, Indiana	$20,230	$42,676	71.3%	76.3%
10	Valparaiso University Valparaiso, Indiana	$21,583	$46,588	67.0%	94.2%
11	Franklin College Franklin, Indiana	$22,762	$37,350	63.4%	92.9%
12	Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Marion, Indiana	$23,069	$31,168	66.3%	86.7%
13	Taylor University Upland, Indiana	$24,327	$39,104	76.6%	74.6%
14	Butler University Indianapolis, Indiana	$38,472	$45,980	80.2%	82.1%
15	Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana	$43,465	$33,490	52.3%	78.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indiana University-Southeast the cheapest journalism program in the state?

IU-Southeast charges just $8,257 net annually, making it Indiana's most affordable journalism option. The school maintains an 85% acceptance rate and serves the Louisville metro area from its New Albany campus. As a regional public university, it benefits from state funding that keeps costs low for Indiana residents. The program graduates about one-third of its students within six years.

How do earnings compare between Indiana's journalism programs?

IU-Bloomington journalism graduates earn the highest salaries at $39,134 annually, despite the program costing $15,342 net. IU-Indianapolis graduates earn $33,993 with lower debt loads of $21,500 compared to Ball State's $24,418. The $5,000+ earnings gap between programs reflects factors like alumni networks, internship opportunities, and geographic job markets. Bloomington's flagship status appears to translate into stronger post-graduation outcomes.

Does the 21st Century Scholars program cover journalism degrees?

Yes, the 21st Century Scholars program covers full tuition at participating Indiana public universities for qualifying students. This makes programs like IU-Southeast and University of Southern Indiana essentially free for eligible students. The program serves families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. Recipients still pay for housing, meals, and other expenses beyond tuition costs.

What graduation rates can students expect from affordable Indiana journalism programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly among affordable options, ranging from 33% at IU-Southeast to 81% at IU-Bloomington. University of Southern Indiana achieves a 52% graduation rate at $12,621 net cost, while Ball State reaches 63% at $15,898. Private schools generally show higher completion rates, with Huntington University graduating 68% of students. These rates reflect differences in student preparation, resources, and institutional support systems.

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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.