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2025 Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southeast Region

126 Colleges in the Southeast Region
14,251 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 126 schools in the Southeast Region to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of communication & media studies. Combined, these schools handed out 14,251 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 Southeast 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 Southeast 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 Southeast 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.

25 Top Southeast Region Schools in Communications

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
588 Communications Degrees Awarded
$43,738 Median Starting Salary

Every student who is interested in communication & media studies has to look into University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. UNC Chapel Hill is a very large public university located in the small city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were about 588 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent data year. Communication & Media Studies degree recipients from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill get an earnings boost of around $6,888 over the average earnings of communication & media studies majors.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
164 Communications Degrees Awarded
$44,283 Median Starting Salary

University of Georgia is a good choice for students pursuing a degree in communication & media studies. Located in the midsize city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were roughly 164 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the communication & media studies degree program at University of Georgia get $7,433 above the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

3
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
38 Communications Degrees Awarded
39.5% Growth in Graduates

It is hard to beat Elon University if you want to pursue a degree in communication & media studies. Located in the medium-sized suburb of Elon, Elon is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 5th out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 38 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Elon in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the communication & media studies major at Elon University earn $11,787 more than the typical college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

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

4
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
270 Communications Degrees Awarded
30.0% Growth in Graduates

Every student who is interested in communication & media studies needs to look into University of Florida. Located in the medium-sized city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #56 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were roughly 270 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent data year. Those communication & media studies students who get their degree from University of Florida earn $22,146 more than the average communications graduate.

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

5
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
144 Communications Degrees Awarded
$42,055 Median Starting Salary

Wake Forest University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Winston-Salem. A Best Colleges rank of #76 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Wake Forest University is a great university overall.

There were roughly 144 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Wake Forest University in the most recent year we have data available. Communication & Media Studies degree recipients from Wake Forest University get an earnings boost of around $5,205 above the average earnings of communication & media studies graduates.

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

6
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
409 Communications Degrees Awarded
$42,769 Median Starting Salary

JMU is a very large public university located in the small city of Harrisonburg. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means JMU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 409 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent year we have data available. Communication & Media Studies degree recipients from James Madison University earn a boost of around $5,919 above the typical income of communication & media studies majors.

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

7
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
346 Communications Degrees Awarded
$34,530 Median Starting Salary

USF Tampa is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tampa. This university ranks 8th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 346 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients usually earn around $34,530 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from University of South Florida - Main Campus

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
366 Communications Degrees Awarded
10.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 30 colleges for overall quality in the state of Louisiana.

There were roughly 366 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Louisiana State University in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the communications program report average early career earnings of $38,426.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
223 Communications Degrees Awarded
$39,311 Median Starting Salary

UK is a very large public university located in the large city of Lexington. This university ranks 1st out of 39 colleges for overall quality in the state of Kentucky.

There were about 223 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UK in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the communication & media studies major at University of Kentucky make $2,461 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

10
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
223 Communications Degrees Awarded
$44,309 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is a public school with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Virginia Tech is a great school overall.

There were approximately 223 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent data year. Those communication & media studies students who get their degree from Virginia Tech make $7,459 more than the typical communications graduate.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from Virginia Tech

11
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
176 Communications Degrees Awarded
15.3% Growth in Graduates

Tulane is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New Orleans. A Best Colleges rank of #95 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Tulane is a great university overall.

There were approximately 176 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Tulane 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 $33,428.

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

12
Auburn crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
144 Communications Degrees Awarded
$35,929 Median Starting Salary

Auburn is a very large public university located in the small city of Auburn. A Best Colleges rank of #169 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Auburn is a great university overall.

There were about 144 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Auburn in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the communications program earn about $35,929 in their early career salary.

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

13
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
237 Communications Degrees Awarded
$40,095 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Fayetteville, UARK is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 36 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arkansas.

There were approximately 237 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UARK in the most recent year we have data available. Communication & Media Studies degree recipients from University of Arkansas get an earnings boost of about $3,245 above the typical income of communication & media studies majors.

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

14
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
10th Most Popular In TN
32 Communications Degrees Awarded

Vanderbilt is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Nashville. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were approximately 32 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available.

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

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
545 Communications Degrees Awarded
$37,844 Median Starting Salary

FIU is a very large public university located in the suburb of Miami. This university ranks 13th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 545 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at FIU in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the communications program earn about $37,844 in their early career salary.

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

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
194 Communications Degrees Awarded
$40,790 Median Starting Salary

UA is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Tuscaloosa. A Best Colleges rank of #180 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 194 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent data year. Communication & Media Studies degree recipients from The University of Alabama get an earnings boost of around $3,940 over the typical earnings of communication & media studies majors.

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

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
221 Communications Degrees Awarded
$35,808 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Richmond, VCU is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #189 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means VCU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 221 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at VCU in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, communications degree recipients generally make around $35,808 in the first five years of their career.

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

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
374 Communications Degrees Awarded
$37,021 Median Starting Salary

UCF is a very large public university located in the suburb of Orlando. This university ranks 10th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 374 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, communications degree recipients generally make about $37,021 in the first five years of their career.

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

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
255 Communications Degrees Awarded
$37,858 Median Starting Salary

ECU is a very large public university located in the small city of Greenville. This university ranks 7th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 255 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at ECU in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the communications program make about $37,858 for their early career.

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

20
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
240 Communications Degrees Awarded
2.1% Growth in Graduates

NC State is a very large public university located in the city of Raleigh. A Best Colleges rank of #122 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 240 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent data year. Those communication & media studies students who get their degree from North Carolina State University make $3,039 more than the standard communications student.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from North Carolina State University

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
321 Communications Degrees Awarded
3.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Charlotte, UNC Charlotte is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were roughly 321 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UNC Charlotte in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, communications degree recipients usually earn about $38,234 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from University of North Carolina at Charlotte

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
175 Communications Degrees Awarded
$41,258 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Knoxville, UT Knoxville is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were about 175 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UT Knoxville in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the communication & media studies degree program at The University of Tennessee - Knoxville get $4,408 above the typical college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
176 Communications Degrees Awarded
$30,559 Median Starting Salary

UNC Greensboro is a large public university located in the large city of Greensboro. This university ranks 17th out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were approximately 176 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at UNC Greensboro 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 $30,559.

More information about a degree in communication & media studies from University of North Carolina at Greensboro

24
C of C crest
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
171 Communications Degrees Awarded
6.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Charleston, C of C is a public college with a large student population. This college ranks 6th out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were roughly 171 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at C of C in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the communications program earn an average of $36,903 for their early career.

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

25
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
89 Communications Degrees Awarded
$36,953 Median Starting Salary

CNU is a small public university located in the city of Newport News. This university ranks 15th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 89 communication & media studies students who graduated with this degree at CNU 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 income of $36,953.

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

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

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Communication & Media Studies Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
26 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
27 University of North Carolina at Wilmington Wilmington, NC
28 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
29 The University of Tampa Tampa, FL
30 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL
31 Rollins College Winter Park, FL
32 University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SC
33 University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL
34 Furman University Greenville, SC
35 Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL
36 University of Louisville Louisville, KY
37 Belmont University Nashville, TN
38 Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL
39 Clemson University Clemson, SC
40 Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS
41 Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, TN
42 Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KY

Best Communication & Media Studies Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Georgia 287 795
Florida 282 2,964
North Carolina 279 2,968
Virginia 274 2,053
Tennessee 269 1,000
South Carolina 248 796
Kentucky 244 785
Louisiana 242 815
Mississippi 234 307
Arkansas 234 457
Alabama 233 967
West Virginia 207 214

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 7,608
Communication & Media Studies 3,624
Communications 1,743
Other Communication & Media Studies 1,276

View All Communications Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Public Relations & Advertising 5,369
Radio, Television & Digital Communication 3,646
Journalism 2,731
Communication & Journalism (Other) 534
Publishing 14

View All Communications Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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