Communication & Media Studies programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
For its 2027 ranking, College Factual looked at 4 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for communication & media studies students pursuing a degree.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall communication & media studies education in District of Columbia.
American University tops our 2027 ranking of the best communication & media studies schools. Located in the city of Washington, American University is a large private not-for-profit university. American University graduates 76% of students within six years. About 78 communication & media studies degrees were awarded at American University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from American University generally make around $52,640. Typical student debt for the program is $22,611.
More information about a degree in communication & media studies from American University
Students looking for a strong communication & media studies program will find one at George Washington University, which ranked #2. George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. George Washington University graduates 84% of students within six years. There were roughly 34 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at George Washington University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their communication & media studies degree from George Washington University earn around $50,552 in the first couple years of their career. George Washington University graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans.
See the full communication & media studies program report for George Washington University
Catholic University Of America came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best communication & media studies schools. Located in the city of Washington, Catholic University Of America is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. About 80% of students finish within six years. About 14 communication & media studies degrees were awarded at Catholic University Of America in the most recent year. Graduates of the communication & media studies program make about $43,259 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Catholic University Of America
Students looking for a strong communication & media studies program will find one at Howard University, which ranked #4. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. About 10 communication & media studies degrees were awarded at Howard University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, communication & media studies degree recipients from Howard University generally make around $58,495. Typical student debt for the program is $25,498.
See the full communication & media studies program report for Howard University
More Communication & Media Studies Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 4 schools evaluated.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
