Cheapest Journalism Colleges in Washington

Eastern Washington University stands out with journalism graduates earning just $20,140 annually despite costing only $13,091 per year, creating an unusual value equation in a state where tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft drive media demand. The 96% acceptance rate contrasts sharply with University of Washington's 48% rate, though UW journalism graduates command $33,565 starting salaries. Washington's eight journalism programs span from $13,091 to $36,371 annually, with public options offering significant savings through the Washington College Grant program.

Programs

$13,091 – $36,371

Net Price Range

$27,938

Avg. Program Earnings

67.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Journalism Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Eastern Washington University Cheney, Washington	$13,091	$8,353	47.2%	96.1%
2	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
3	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401	$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
4	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715	$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
5	Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington	$18,680	$9,286	65.5%	92.7%
6	Whitworth University Spokane, Washington	$25,884	$50,920	68.4%	90.5%
7	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802	$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
8	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	$36,371	$53,500	86.9%	69.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide salary gap between Washington journalism programs?

University of Washington journalism graduates earn $33,565 compared to Eastern Washington's $20,140, reflecting location and program reputation differences. Seattle's media market and proximity to tech companies create higher-paying opportunities than smaller regional markets.

How much can Washington College Grant recipients save on journalism degrees?

Qualifying students pay zero tuition at public universities, with total costs dropping to $8,353 at Eastern Washington and $9,192 at Central Washington. Even at University of Washington, in-state costs remain manageable at $12,643 annually.

Does acceptance rate correlate with journalism program quality in Washington?

Not necessarily - Eastern Washington accepts 96% of applicants but graduates only 47%, while selective University of Washington graduates 84% of students. Gonzaga combines moderate selectivity (70% acceptance) with strong completion rates at 87%.

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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.