College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2025 Best Journalism Schools

184 Colleges in the United States
12,911 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$36,123 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 184 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of journalism. Combined, these schools handed out 12,911 degrees in journalism to qualified students.

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 20% 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
180 Journalism Degrees Awarded
36.1% Growth in Graduates

Any student who is interested in journalism needs to check out University of Southern California. Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #13 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 180 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 $10,532 more than the typical journalism graduate.

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

2
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
148 Journalism Degrees Awarded
10.8% Growth in Graduates

Boston University is a great decision for students interested in a degree in journalism. 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 #23 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Boston U is a great university overall.

There were approximately 148 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year. Journalism degree recipients from Boston University receive an earnings boost of around $11,268 above the average income of journalism majors.

More information about a degree in journalism from Boston University

3
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
193 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$41,086 Median Starting Salary

It's hard to beat Syracuse University if you want to pursue a degree in journalism. Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 193 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent data year. Journalism degree recipients from Syracuse University get an earnings boost of around $4,963 above the typical earnings of journalism graduates.

More information about a degree in journalism from Syracuse University

4
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
111 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$42,450 Median Starting Salary

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is a great option for students pursuing a degree in journalism. UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #45 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.

There were about 111 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Journalism degree recipients from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities receive an earnings boost of around $6,327 over the average earnings of journalism graduates.

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

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
200 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$40,942 Median Starting Salary

UW - Madison is a very large public university located in the large city of Madison. A Best Colleges rank of #40 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UW - Madison is a great university overall.

There were approximately 200 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 get $4,819 more than the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
163 Journalism Degrees Awarded
11.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were about 163 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent data year. Journalism degree recipients from University of Maryland - College Park receive an earnings boost of approximately $10,770 above the average earnings of journalism graduates.

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

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
74 Journalism Degrees Awarded
28.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 74 journalism students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the journalism program at George Washington University earn $15,892 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in journalism from George Washington University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
449 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$45,153 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Columbia, Mizzou is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 48 colleges for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were about 449 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent data year. Those journalism students who get their degree from University of Missouri - Columbia make $9,030 more than the typical journalism graduate.

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

9
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
106 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$36,912 Median Starting Salary

Michigan State is a fairly large public university located in the small city of East Lansing. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were about 106 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the journalism program report average early career wages of $36,912.

More information about a degree in journalism from Michigan State University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
156 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$39,336 Median Starting Salary

UT Austin is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Austin. A Best Colleges rank of #46 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were about 156 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent data year. Journalism degree recipients from The University of Texas at Austin receive an earnings boost of approximately $3,213 above the average income of journalism majors.

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

11
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
141 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$39,725 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Iowa City, Iowa is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 37 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were roughly 141 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the journalism degree program at University of Iowa make $3,602 above the typical graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Iowa

12
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
242 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$43,191 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 44 schools for overall quality in the state of Kansas.

There were roughly 242 journalism students who graduated with this degree at KU in the most recent year we have data available. Those journalism students who get their degree from University of Kansas receive $7,068 more than the standard journalism grad.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Kansas

13
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
121 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$39,992 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 #30 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were about 121 journalism students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent year we have data available. Those journalism students who get their degree from Indiana University - Bloomington make $3,869 more than the typical journalism student.

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

14
Emerson crest
Emerson College
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
121 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$39,756 Median Starting Salary

Emerson is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit college located in the city of Boston. This college ranks 16th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 121 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Emerson in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the journalism major at Emerson College make $3,633 more than the average college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in journalism from Emerson College

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
206 Journalism Degrees Awarded
12.1% Growth in Graduates

UGA is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Athens. This university ranks 3rd out of 68 schools for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were roughly 206 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. Those journalism students who get their degree from University of Georgia earn $2,399 more than the standard journalism grad.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Georgia

16
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
103 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$36,954 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Lincoln, UNL is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 19 schools for overall quality in the state of Nebraska.

There were approximately 103 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UNL in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the journalism program make an average of $36,954 for their early career.

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

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
271 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$36,744 Median Starting Salary

University of Oklahoma is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized suburb of Norman. This university ranks 1st out of 31 colleges for overall quality in the state of Oklahoma.

There were roughly 271 journalism students who graduated with this degree at University of Oklahoma in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, journalism degree recipients generally make about $36,744 at the beginning of their careers.

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

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
73 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$34,022 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Boulder, CU - Boulder is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 31 colleges 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. Students who receive their degree from the journalism program make around $34,022 in their early career salary.

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

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
289 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$38,118 Median Starting Salary

UNT is a fairly large public university located in the medium-sized city of Denton. This university ranks 13th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 289 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UNT in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the journalism program report average early career wages of $38,118.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of North Texas

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
160 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$38,246 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Athens, OHIO Athens is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 160 journalism students who graduated with this degree at OHIO Athens in the most recent data year. Those journalism students who get their degree from Ohio University - Athens Campus receive $2,123 more than the typical journalism graduate.

More information about a degree in journalism from Ohio University - Athens Campus

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
158 Journalism Degrees Awarded
6.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Eugene, UO is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 29 schools for overall quality in the state of Oregon.

There were roughly 158 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UO in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, journalism degree recipients typically make around $33,620 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Oregon

22
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
85 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$37,091 Median Starting Salary

UMass Amherst is a fairly large public university located in the city of Amherst. A Best Colleges rank of #60 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UMass Amherst is a great university overall.

There were about 85 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UMass Amherst in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, journalism degree recipients generally earn about $37,091 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Massachusetts Amherst

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
208 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$42,737 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Tempe, ASU - Tempe is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 26 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were roughly 208 journalism students who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the journalism program at Arizona State University - Tempe earn $6,614 above the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in journalism from Arizona State University - Tempe

24
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
145 Journalism Degrees Awarded
15.2% Growth in Graduates

UF is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Gainesville. A Best Colleges rank of #56 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were about 145 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent data year. Journalism degree recipients from University of Florida earn a boost of around $2,041 over the average income of journalism graduates.

More information about a degree in journalism from University of Florida

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
70 Journalism Degrees Awarded
24.3% Growth in Graduates

UIUC is a fairly large public university located in the city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 70 journalism students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the journalism program report average early career earnings of $36,303.

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

Rest of the Top Best Journalism Schools

26
27
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
28
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
29
30
31
32

33
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY

34
35
Hofstra crest
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
36

Honorable Mentions

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

Rank College Location
37 Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX
38 Iowa State University Ames, IA
39 Kent State University at Kent Kent, OH
40 Quinnipiac University Hamden, CT
41 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
42 Elon University Elon, NC
43 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
44 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL
45 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
46 University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SC
47 Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX
48 Temple University Philadelphia, PA
49 University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA
50 Fordham University Bronx, NY
51 Gonzaga University Spokane, WA
52 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA
53 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY
54 Washington State University Pullman, WA
55 University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA
56 Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH
57 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
58 California State University - Long Beach Long Beach, CA
59 Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OH
60 Kansas State University Manhattan, KS
61 San Diego State University San Diego, CA

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
Other U.S. Territories
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 10,697
Other Journalism 1,310
Broadcast Journalism 775
Photojournalism 116
Science/Health/Environmental Journalism 13

View All Journalism Concentrations >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Communication & Media Studies 62,855
Public Relations & Advertising 21,275
Radio, Television & Digital Communication 18,286
Communication & Journalism (Other) 1,349
Publishing 318

View All Journalism Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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