Cheapest Journalism Colleges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania journalism programs show a striking cost divide between public and private options. Lincoln University leads affordability at just $12,912 net cost while private institutions like Susquehanna University reach $26,539. This gap becomes significant when considering that journalism graduates across these programs earn between $25,658 and $36,852 annually. Public universities dominate the lower cost tier, with Indiana University of Pennsylvania offering net costs of $17,216 and strong regional connections. Pennsylvania's media market provides solid career prospects, with major employers like Comcast headquartered in Philadelphia and numerous regional newspapers, radio stations, and digital media companies throughout the state. The earnings data reveals interesting patterns, with Lincoln University graduates commanding the highest starting salaries at $36,852 despite the program's low cost. Private colleges show higher graduation rates, with Messiah University achieving 78.5% completion rates compared to public averages around 52%. The PA State Grant system helps reduce costs for in-state students, making public journalism programs particularly attractive for Pennsylvania residents pursuing media careers.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide cost gap between Pennsylvania's cheapest and most expensive journalism programs?

The difference stems largely from public versus private funding models. Lincoln University charges $12,912 net cost as a public institution, while private colleges like Susquehanna reach $26,539. Public universities benefit from state funding that keeps tuition lower for residents. However, private colleges often provide more financial aid, with some showing significant gaps between sticker price and net cost after assistance.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive journalism programs?

Private institutions generally show higher completion rates despite higher costs. Messiah University achieves 78.5% graduation rates while charging $27,686 net cost. In contrast, public options like Lincoln University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania hover around 52% graduation rates. The pattern suggests that higher-cost programs may offer more student support services that improve retention.

Is there a connection between program cost and graduate earnings in Pennsylvania journalism?

The data reveals no clear correlation between cost and earnings outcomes. Lincoln University, the cheapest option at $12,912, produces graduates earning $36,852 annually. Meanwhile, Point Park University charges $24,791 but graduates earn just $25,658. This suggests that program location, industry connections, and curriculum quality matter more than price tags for career outcomes.

Does Pennsylvania's job market support journalism graduates from these programs?

Pennsylvania offers solid media employment opportunities with major companies like Comcast in Philadelphia and UPMC's communications divisions. The state hosts numerous regional newspapers, radio stations, and digital media outlets across cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg. Graduate earnings ranging from $25,658 to $36,852 reflect competitive entry-level positions in these markets. The presence of healthcare and finance sectors also creates corporate communications roles for journalism graduates.

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

Lincoln University offers strong value at $12,912 with graduates earning $36,852, creating the best return on investment. Indiana University of Pennsylvania provides another strong option at $17,216 with established media connections. For students preferring private colleges, Westminster College at $20,800 combines reasonable costs with a 65.9% graduation rate. Temple University, while slightly higher at $29,219, offers urban internship opportunities in Philadelphia's media market.

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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.