by our College Data Analytics TeamAdvertising is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
College Factual analyzed 12 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best advertising schools.
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If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the advertising degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is San Jose State University, our #1 school for advertising. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 40 advertising degrees were awarded at San Jose State University in the most recent year. See the full advertising program report for San Jose State University
University Of San Francisco came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best advertising schools. University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of San Francisco. About 70% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 17 advertising students who graduated with this degree at University Of San Francisco in the most recent data year. Students who receive their advertising degree from University Of San Francisco earn around $37,856 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,250. More information about a degree in advertising from University Of San Francisco
Pepperdine University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in advertising, landing the #3 spot this year. Pepperdine University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Malibu. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Pepperdine University awarded about 18 advertising degrees in the most recent data year. Advertising graduates of Pepperdine University earn a median of $45,988 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. Get the full advertising details for Pepperdine University
A rank of #4 makes Santa Monica College one of the top schools for advertising. Set in the city of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College is a very large public institution. Santa Monica College graduates 81% of students within six years. There were roughly 43 advertising students who graduated with this degree at Santa Monica College in the most recent data year. Get the full advertising details for Santa Monica College
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.