Seek scholarships to offset the costs of journalism colleges and universities

While the costs of prominent journalism universities typically exceed $60,000 annually, many of these institutions offer financial assistance to students who show promise.

I recommend: The Journalism School at Columbia University sets the standard for outstanding journalism. The faculty consists of award-winning professionals and the school administers media awards that include Pulitzer Prizes and duPont Awards to name a few. Although the estimated expense for attendance is over $65,000 annually, the school awards approximately $4.4 million to exceptional students per academic year. Medill at Northwestern University is a sponsor of The Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism, John Bartlow Martin Award and Ida B. Wells Award. While it costs over $60,000 per academic year to attend, the school does award over $2.5 million to qualified students annually.

Consider exceptional colleges of journalism that are mid-range in price

Look at top ranking journalism universities that range between $35,000 and $55,000 if you want to attend a school with nationally recognized programs.

I recommend: Washington and Lee University is among the top 20 liberal arts colleges and well known for the journalism program offered through the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications. The institution awards scholarships to 10% of incoming students through the Johnson Scholarship Competition and other awards. It costs a little over $47,000 annually to attend. The Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland has a faculty that is comprised of Pulitzer Prize winners and media scholars as well as nationally recognized programs. The cost of attendance is over $36,000 annually. There are also fellowships and aid available for those choosing to further their journalism career with a Masters degree.

Locate top ranking journalism programs that fit your budget

If your college fund is minimal, look for top-tier journalism colleges that are less than $25,000 annually.

I recommend: The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Journalism and Mass Communications (CoJMC) is a top tier college for journalism that costs over $24,000 per school year. The institution awards more than $4 million in scholarships to incoming students. Boost your journalism career and get a master's journalism degree online from the institution at a cost of over $1400 per 3 credit hour courses. The UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication is ranked as one of the top five colleges for journalism. An out-of-state student can expect to pay over $21,000 annually for attendance.

Account for hidden costs associated with college journalism programs

As you go about the process of gathering information on tuition and fees, remember to include the costs of room and board, books, supplies, health insurance, transportation and other living expenses you might otherwise overlook.

I recommend: Use the College Cost Calculator on College Board to account for the inflation rate, college savings and the amount of time it will take to complete a degree. FinAid provides a College Cost Projector and other tools as well as links to information about scholarships, military aid and other types of financial assistance.