Associate of Arts - Journalism (Optional Co-op)

Program overview

Associate of Arts - Journalism (Optional Co-op) is a associate degree program in arts, design and media at Colleges of Contra Costa - Los Medanos College, a public institution in Pittsburg, California, United States, founded in 1974.

First-year tuition is listed at 10,512 USD and the application fee at Free. The earliest intake currently open is Jan 2027.

The program name shows a co-op option, which normally means paid work terms with employers as part of the course. Ask the school how co-op places are allocated.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 20,412 USD for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. Costs differ sharply between public and private schools and between states. The I-20 states the school's estimate of tuition and living costs, and your funds evidence should match it. Read the school's cost page and the official student visa pages for the fees that apply.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

How the tuition compares in the United States

Our directory lists 387 associate degree programs in arts, design and media at 48 schools in the United States. Their median first-year tuition is 10,656 USD, and the middle half cost between 9,750 USD and 11,544 USD.

At 10,512 USD, Associate of Arts - Journalism (Optional Co-op) is 1% below the median, in the middle of the range. The full range runs from 5,184 USD to 73,137 USD.

• All arts, design and media courses in the United States

Lower-cost associate degree options in arts, design and media

If budget matters, these associate degree programs in arts, design and media have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in the United States.

Plan for the Jan 2027 intake

Working back from a Jan 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. Fall (August or September) is the main intake and Spring (January) is the second. Graduate deadlines are often several months earlier than the start date.

Entry requirements and documents

Colleges of Contra Costa - Los Medanos College sets the exact entry requirements for Associate of Arts - Journalism (Optional Co-op). For a associate degree, applicants usually need the following.

Most schools accept TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo and set their own minimums. Graduate programmes may also ask for GRE or GMAT scores, though many programmes have made these optional.

• Class 12 marksheets and certificate (or the school's accepted equivalent).
• A personal statement or statement of purpose.
• A reference from a teacher or school.
• A valid passport.
• English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: F-1 student visa

Students from India need a F-1 student visa to study in the United States. U.S. Department of State (visa) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) decides the application.

An F-1 visa is for full-time academic study at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The school issues a Form I-20 and the visa itself is decided at a consular interview, so a consistent study plan and clear finances matter more than the paperwork volume.

• Shortlist SEVP-certified schools and complete applications. Check test requirements such as GRE, GMAT or English tests programme by programme.
• After admission and proof of funds, the school issues the Form I-20.
• Pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 online visa application and pay the visa application fee.
• Book and attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Bring the I-20, passport, financial documents and admission papers.

• Study in United States: full visa guide
• U.S. Department of State: Student visa
• Study in the States (DHS)

After you graduate

Students may be eligible for optional practical training in their field of study, with an extension for certain STEM degrees. Conditions apply, so read the official rules and speak to your school's designated school official.

How to apply with Study Spectra

• Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
• We check your profile against Associate of Arts - Journalism (Optional Co-op) and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
• We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
• When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for Associate of Arts - Journalism (Optional Co-op)?

First-year tuition is listed at 10,512 USD. Living costs are extra; Colleges of Contra Costa - Los Medanos College estimates 9,900 USD a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

This program lists no application fee.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Jan 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is Associate of Arts - Journalism (Optional Co-op) a degree?

It is listed as a associate degree. The school awards the degree on completion.

Which visa do I need to study in the United States?

You need a F-1 student visa, decided by U.S. Department of State (visa) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to Colleges of Contra Costa - Los Medanos College, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

More at Colleges of Contra Costa - Los Medanos College

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• Associate of Art - Music, 10,512 USD first year
• Associate of Art - Music - Transfer Degree, 10,512 USD first year
• Associate of Arts - Communication - Transfer Degree, 10,512 USD first year
• Associate of Arts - Fine Arts, 10,512 USD first year
• Associate of Arts - Graphics Communications, 10,512 USD first year
• Associate of Arts - Journalism - Transfer Degree (Optional Co-op), 10,512 USD first year