"The School of Journalism at the University of Missouri at Columbia was once again far and away the No. 1 choice as the top J-school in the country in the annual NewsPro-RTDNA Top Journalism Schools poll of news professionals… The 106-year-old Missouri School of Journalism — the oldest J-school in the country, if not the world — is known for its “Missouri Method” that enables students to receive hands-on training in real news media, including the school-owned KOMU-TV, the NBC/CW affiliate for Columbia and nearby Jefferson City, Mo. " US News has it at #3 behind Columbia and Berkeley. Can’t knock the OP for trying to figure out a way to go to the best since journalism is their thing. I don’t think they want to go to any ol’ school just cause it is cheap. Obviously, the parents have to step up here. But if they don’t, I agree with Ivvcsf, OP should ask UMC to defer entry for a year and evaluate options for school and money. Maybe jump into cc classes this fall if it all comes apart, but hope it works out for you @kidacat!