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2025 Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

106 Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region
9,529 Communications Degrees Awarded
$36,850 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a degree in communication & media studies, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #10 most popular program in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

College Factual reviewed 106 schools in the Middle Atlantic Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of communication & media studies. Combined, these schools handed out 9,529 degrees in communication & media studies to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Communication & Media Studies School

Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region The communications program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Communication & Media Studies rankings. We derive our Best Overall Communication & Media Studies School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Communication & Media Studies Rankings by Degree Level

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

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list, to help you choose the best school for you. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for Communication & Media Studies in the Middle Atlantic Region

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 communications degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

21 Top Middle Atlantic Region Schools in Communications

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
97 Communications Degrees Awarded
$62,182 Median Starting Salary

Cornell University is a wonderful option for students interested in a degree in communication & media studies. Cornell is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Ithaca. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Cornell is a great university overall.

There were roughly 97 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent year we have data available. Communication & Media Studies degree recipients from Cornell University get an earnings boost of approximately $25,332 above the typical earnings of communication & media studies majors.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Cornell University

2
Villanova crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
170 Communications Degrees Awarded
7.1% Growth in Graduates

Every student pursuing a degree in communication & media studies has to look into Villanova University. Located in the suburb of Villanova, Villanova is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #34 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Villanova is a great university overall.

There were roughly 170 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Villanova in the most recent data year. Communication & Media Studies degree recipients from Villanova University earn a boost of around $15,444 over the average income of communication & media studies graduates.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Villanova University

3
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
84 Communications Degrees Awarded
$53,022 Median Starting Salary

Any student who is interested in communication & media studies needs to look into University of Pennsylvania. Located in the city of Philadelphia, UPenn is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were approximately 84 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent year we have data available. Communication & Media Studies degree recipients from University of Pennsylvania get an earnings boost of approximately $16,172 over the typical income of communication & media studies graduates.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from University of Pennsylvania

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
368 Communications Degrees Awarded
21.5% Growth in Graduates

University of Maryland - College Park is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in communication & media studies. UMCP is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of College Park. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were approximately 368 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent data year. Those communication & media studies students who get their degree from University of Maryland - College Park receive $6,846 more than the typical communications student.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from University of Maryland - College Park

5
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
93 Communications Degrees Awarded
$60,469 Median Starting Salary

The American University is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #61 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means The American University is a great university overall.

There were approximately 93 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the communication & media studies degree program at American University make $23,619 above the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from American University

6
Marist crest
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
193 Communications Degrees Awarded
$41,818 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Poughkeepsie, Marist is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population. This college ranks 19th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 193 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Marist in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the communication & media studies program at Marist College get $4,968 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Marist College

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
191 Communications Degrees Awarded
8.4% Growth in Graduates

UD is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Newark. A Best Colleges rank of #96 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UD is a great university overall.

There were approximately 191 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UD in the most recent data year. Those communication & media studies students who get their degree from University of Delaware earn $5,047 more than the standard communications graduate.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from University of Delaware

8
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
131 Communications Degrees Awarded
$46,405 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Bronx, Fordham U is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #67 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Fordham U is a great university overall.

There were about 131 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Fordham U in the most recent data year. Those communication & media studies students who get their degree from Fordham University earn $9,555 more than the typical communications student.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Fordham University

9
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
157 Communications Degrees Awarded
17.2% Growth in Graduates

Syracuse is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Syracuse. A Best Colleges rank of #62 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Syracuse is a great university overall.

There were roughly 157 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the communications program state that they receive average early career wages of $36,767.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Syracuse University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
300 Communications Degrees Awarded
$39,226 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Buffalo, University at Buffalo is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 18th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 300 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at University at Buffalo in the most recent year we have data available. Communication & Media Studies degree recipients from University at Buffalo earn a boost of approximately $2,376 above the average earnings of communication & media studies graduates.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from University at Buffalo

11
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
323 Communications Degrees Awarded
3.4% Growth in Graduates

Rutgers New Brunswick is a fairly large public university located in the small city of New Brunswick. A Best Colleges rank of #74 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Rutgers New Brunswick is a great university overall.

There were approximately 323 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the communication & media studies degree program at Rutgers University - New Brunswick get $6,799 above the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

12
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
99 Communications Degrees Awarded
11.1% Growth in Graduates

Loyola Maryland is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Baltimore. This university ranks 3rd out of 35 schools for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were about 99 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Loyola Maryland in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the communication & media studies major at Loyola University Maryland make $5,790 above the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Loyola University Maryland

13
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
126 Communications Degrees Awarded
$35,992 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of New York, Pace University is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 34th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 126 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Pace University in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, communications degree recipients generally make around $35,992 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Pace University - New York

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
35 Communications Degrees Awarded
$50,552 Median Starting Salary

GWU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #25 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 35 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year. Those communication & media studies students who get their degree from George Washington University make $13,702 more than the standard communications grad.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from George Washington University

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
80 Communications Degrees Awarded
$37,151 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of Ewing, TCNJ is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 6th out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were about 80 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at TCNJ in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the communications program report average early career earnings of $37,151.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from The College of New Jersey

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
191 Communications Degrees Awarded
$30,792 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Albany, UAlbany is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 27th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 191 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UAlbany in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, communications degree recipients usually make an average of $30,792 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from University at Albany

17
Towson crest
Towson University
Towson, MD
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
121 Communications Degrees Awarded
$42,657 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Towson, Towson is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 35 schools for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were approximately 121 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Towson in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the communication & media studies program at Towson University earn $5,807 more than the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Towson University

18
Temple crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
133 Communications Degrees Awarded
22.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #97 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Temple is a great university overall.

There were approximately 133 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Temple in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the communications program earn an average of $34,496 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Temple University

19
SUNY Stony Brook crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
98th Most Popular In NY

Located in the suburb of Stony Brook, SUNY Stony Brook is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 14th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 1 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at SUNY Stony Brook in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Stony Brook University

20

Located in the city of Washington, CUA is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 4th out of 7 colleges for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were roughly 25 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at CUA in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the communication & media studies major at Catholic University of America get $6,409 above the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Catholic University of America

21
Rowan crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
107 Communications Degrees Awarded
18.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Glassboro, Rowan is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 13th out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were about 107 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Rowan in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the communications program earn around $34,549 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Rowan University

Rest of the Top Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Communication & Media Studies students in the Middle Atlantic Region that almost earned our Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region award.

Rank College Location
22 University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA
23 Montclair State University Montclair, NJ
24 William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJ
25 Iona College New Rochelle, NY
26 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY
27 SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, NY
28 Muhlenberg College Allentown, PA
29 Manhattan College Riverdale, NY
30 SUNY Oswego Oswego, NY
31 St Lawrence University Canton, NY
32 St John’s University - New York Queens, NY
33 Ramapo College of New Jersey Mahwah, NJ
34 Hobart and William Smith Colleges Geneva, NY
35 Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJ

Best Communication & Media Studies Colleges by State

Explore the best communication & media studies colleges for a specific state in the Middle Atlantic Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Pennsylvania 334 2,216
New York 333 4,476
Maryland 279 1,272
New Jersey 273 1,538
District of Columbia 188 200
Delaware 175 239

View All Rankings >

Communication & Media Studies is one of 5 different types of Communication & Journalism programs to choose from.

Communications Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Speech Communication 5,270
Communication & Media Studies 2,047
Communications 1,538
Other Communication & Media Studies 674

View All Communications Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Radio, Television & Digital Communication 3,827
Public Relations & Advertising 3,726
Journalism 2,288
Communication & Journalism (Other) 411
Publishing 142

View All Communications Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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