College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2023 Best Journalism Schools

236 Colleges in the United States
13,552 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$32,953 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you plan on majoring in journalism, you won't be alone since the degree program is ranked #69 in the country in terms of popularity. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

College Factual reviewed 236 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of journalism. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 13,552 degrees in journalism during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Journalism School

Best Journalism Schools The journalism program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Journalism rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for journalism schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your Journalism Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Journalism
Bachelor's Degrees in Journalism
Master's Degrees in Journalism
Doctor's Degrees in Journalism

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Journalism Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Journalism in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the journalism degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Journalism

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
115 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$41,076 Median Starting Salary

Any student pursuing a degree in journalism needs to look into University of Southern California. Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were about 115 journalism students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year. Those journalism students who get their degree from University of Southern California receive $8,122 more than the average journalism grad.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Southern California

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
209 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$42,011 Median Starting Salary

It is hard to beat University of Wisconsin - Madison if you wish to pursue a degree in journalism. UW - Madison is a very large public university located in the city of Madison. A Best Colleges rank of #33 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were about 209 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UW - Madison in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the journalism program at University of Wisconsin - Madison make $9,058 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Wisconsin - Madison

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
142 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$44,977 Median Starting Salary

Columbia University in the City of New York is a great decision for students pursuing a degree in journalism. Columbia is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were about 142 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the journalism degree program at Columbia University in the City of New York earn $12,024 more than the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in journalism from Columbia University in the City of New York

4
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
233 Journalism Degrees Awarded
20.2% Growth in Graduates

It is difficult to beat Syracuse University if you wish to pursue a degree in journalism. Located in the medium-sized city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #71 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Syracuse is a great university overall.

There were about 233.00000000000003 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the journalism major at Syracuse University earn $4,836 above the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in journalism from Syracuse University

5
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
258 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$38,410 Median Starting Salary

UMN Twin Cities is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #60 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.

There were approximately 258 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Those journalism students who get their degree from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities receive $5,457 more than the average journalism graduate.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

6
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
132 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$40,192 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means Boston U is a great university overall.

There were roughly 132 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year. Journalism degree recipients from Boston University earn a boost of around $7,238 over the average income of journalism majors.

More information about a degree in journalism from Boston University

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
53 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$43,713 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 53 journalism students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent year we have data available. Journalism degree recipients from George Washington University get an earnings boost of approximately $10,759 over the average income of journalism graduates.

More information about a degree in journalism from George Washington University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
145 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$38,316 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #36 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were approximately 145 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the journalism program at University of Maryland - College Park get $5,363 more than the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Maryland - College Park

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
181 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$33,952 Median Starting Salary

UT Austin is a very large public university located in the large city of Austin. A Best Colleges rank of #52 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were about 181 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, journalism degree recipients typically make an average of $33,952 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
488 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$42,665 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Columbia, Mizzou is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were approximately 488 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent year we have data available. Those journalism students who get their degree from University of Missouri - Columbia receive $9,712 more than the standard journalism student.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Missouri - Columbia

11
Emerson crest
Emerson College
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
130 Journalism Degrees Awarded
30.0% Growth in Graduates

Emerson is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit college located in the large city of Boston. This college ranks 14th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were approximately 130 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Emerson in the most recent year we have data available. Those journalism students who get their degree from Emerson College receive $5,722 more than the standard journalism graduate.

More information about a degree in journalism from Emerson College

12
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
98 Journalism Degrees Awarded
15.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Washington, The American University is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 8 schools for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were roughly 98 journalism students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the journalism degree program at American University earn $9,052 above the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in journalism from American University

13
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
170 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$46,352 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Iowa City, Iowa is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 40 schools for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were roughly 170 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year. Journalism degree recipients from University of Iowa get an earnings boost of approximately $13,399 over the typical earnings of journalism graduates.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Iowa

14
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In DC

Georgetown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were about 19 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in journalism from Georgetown University

15
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
257 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$37,913 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Lawrence, KU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 46 schools for overall quality in the state of Kansas.

There were about 257 journalism students who graduated with this degree at KU in the most recent data year. Those journalism students who get their degree from University of Kansas make $4,960 more than the typical journalism grad.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Kansas

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
279 Journalism Degrees Awarded
11.1% Growth in Graduates

University of Oklahoma is a very large public university located in the medium-sized suburb of Norman. This university ranks 1st out of 32 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oklahoma.

There were approximately 279 journalism students who graduated with this degree at University of Oklahoma in the most recent data year. Journalism degree recipients from University of Oklahoma Norman Campus get an earnings boost of approximately $2,276 over the typical income of journalism majors.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Oklahoma Norman Campus

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
73 Journalism Degrees Awarded
4.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Boulder, CU - Boulder is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 34 schools for overall quality in the state of Colorado.

There were approximately 73 journalism students who graduated with this degree at CU - Boulder in the most recent year we have data available. Those journalism students who get their degree from University of Colorado Boulder earn $5,672 more than the typical journalism graduate.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Colorado Boulder

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
53 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$35,459 Median Starting Salary

UIUC is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #44 out of 2,241 colleges nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 53 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the journalism program at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign earn $2,506 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

19
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
123 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$37,589 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,241 schools nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were about 123 journalism students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the journalism major at Indiana University - Bloomington get $4,636 above the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in journalism from Indiana University - Bloomington

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In NC
31 Journalism Degrees Awarded

Elon is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Elon. This university ranks 4th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were roughly 31 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Elon in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in journalism from Elon University

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In TX
52 Journalism Degrees Awarded

SMU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Dallas. This university ranks 4th out of 116 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were about 52 journalism students who graduated with this degree at SMU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in journalism from Southern Methodist University

22
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
33 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$32,587 Median Starting Salary

U Miami is a large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Coral Gables. This university ranks 2nd out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 33 journalism students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the journalism program make about $32,587 for their early career.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Miami

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
109 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$37,640 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Lincoln, UNL is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 19 colleges for overall quality in the state of Nebraska.

There were about 109 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UNL in the most recent data year. Those journalism students who get their degree from University of Nebraska - Lincoln earn $4,687 more than the typical journalism graduate.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Nebraska - Lincoln

24
Drake crest
Drake University
Des Moines, IA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
39 Journalism Degrees Awarded
20.5% Growth in Graduates

Drake is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Des Moines. This university ranks 5th out of 40 schools for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were about 39 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Drake in the most recent data year. After graduation, journalism degree recipients usually earn around $34,814 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in journalism from Drake University

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
77 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$37,631 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Waco, Baylor is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 116 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 77 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Baylor in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the journalism major at Baylor University make $4,678 more than the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in journalism from Baylor University

Rest of the Top Best Journalism Schools

25
26
Gonzaga crest
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA
27
28
29
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
30
31
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

32

33
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
34
35

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Journalism students that almost earned our Best Journalism Schools award.

Rank College Location
36 Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX
37 Northeastern University Boston, MA
38 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
39 Iowa State University Ames, IA
40 University of Oregon Eugene, OR
41 University of Arizona Tucson, AZ
42 University of North Texas Denton, TX
43 Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OH
44 University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA
45 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
46 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
47 Brigham Young University - Provo Provo, UT

Journalism by Region

View the Best Journalism Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 5 majors within the Communication & Journalism area of study, Journalism has other similar majors worth exploring.

Journalism Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
General Journalism 11,380
Other Journalism 1,134
Broadcast Journalism 881
Photojournalism 144
Business and Economic Journalism 7
Science/Health/Environmental Journalism 6

View All Journalism Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Communication & Media Studies 66,787
Public Relations & Advertising 21,099
Radio, Television & Digital Communication 17,669
Communication & Journalism (Other) 1,128
Publishing 336

View All Journalism Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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