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Cheapest Journalism Colleges in Ohio

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Ohio University's regional campuses offer journalism students the state's most affordable entry points, with net costs as low as $4,503 at the Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville. These satellite locations maintain the same $24,000 average debt load as the main Athens campus while providing access to Ohio University's journalism program at a fraction of the cost. The state's media market includes major outlets like The Plain Dealer in Cleveland and The Columbus Dispatch, plus growing digital media companies serving Ohio's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Students can expect varying graduation rates across these affordable options, from 12.1% at the Chillicothe campus to 87.7% at Ohio State's main campus in Columbus, where journalism graduates earn an average of $40,393 annually. The $17,637 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs on this list reflects Ohio's mix of regional campuses and flagship institutions, all preparing students for careers in a state where major employers like Cleveland Clinic and Honda rely on skilled communications professionals.
27
Programs
$4,503 – $27,662
Net Price Range
$32,086
Avg. Program Earnings
53.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Journalism Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
3 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
4 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
5 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
6 $11,877 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
7 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
8 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
9 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
10 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
11 $18,292 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
12 $18,372 $38,974 58.1% 82.9%
13 $19,614 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
14 $20,204 $31,440 52.7% 86.4%
15 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
16 $20,918 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
17 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
18 $21,812 $35,524 63.6% 85.3%
19 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
20 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
21 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
22 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
23 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
24 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
25 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
26 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
27 $27,662 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio University's regional campuses so affordable for journalism students?

Ohio University's five regional campuses offer net costs between $4,503 and $6,483, significantly lower than the main Athens campus at $20,413. These campuses maintain the same in-state tuition rate of $6,178 but provide more financial aid, resulting in lower net costs. All campuses share the same $24,000 average debt load, making them accessible options for students seeking Ohio University's journalism program without the higher costs of the main campus.

How do graduation rates vary among Ohio's most affordable journalism programs?

Graduation rates span a wide range among affordable options, from 12.1% at Ohio University-Chillicothe to 87.7% at Ohio State's main campus. The regional Ohio University campuses show rates between 12.1% and 20%, while larger public universities like Youngstown State achieve 52.9% and University of Toledo reaches 55.6%. Kent State University stands out with a 65.5% graduation rate despite its $19,614 net cost.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee higher earnings for journalism graduates?

Ohio State University demonstrates this connection clearly, with the highest net cost at $18,292 among public options and the highest graduate earnings at $40,393. However, Kent State University graduates earn $33,850 with a net cost of $19,614, while Central State University graduates earn just $21,508 despite a $16,544 net cost. Private schools like Marietta College charge $18,372 but produce graduates earning $29,685, showing mixed results across different institution types.

Where can journalism students find the best value among Ohio's affordable programs?

Ohio State University offers strong value with graduates earning $40,393 and maintaining an 87.7% graduation rate for a net cost of $18,292. Kent State University provides another solid option with $33,850 in graduate earnings and a 65.5% graduation rate at $19,614 net cost. For students prioritizing low costs, Ohio University's Eastern Campus at $4,503 provides access to a recognized journalism program, though with a 20% graduation rate.

What acceptance rates should journalism students expect at these affordable Ohio schools?

Most affordable journalism programs in Ohio maintain high acceptance rates, with Bluffton University at 96.29% and University of Toledo at 92.23%. Ohio State University proves most selective at 52.72%, reflecting its status as the state's flagship institution. Youngstown State University accepts 80.6% of applicants while Kent State University admits 88.02%, making these programs accessible to students with varying academic backgrounds while maintaining reasonable net costs.

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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.