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2025 Best Communication & Journalism Schools in the Southeast Region

141 Colleges in the Southeast Region
26,545 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$37,306 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in communication & journalism is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #11 out of 38 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. As a result, there are many college that offer the degree, making your choice of school a hard one.

In 2025, College Factual analyzed 141 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Communication & Journalism Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 26,545 degrees in communication & journalism to qualified students.

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

Choosing a Great Communication & Journalism School

Best Communication & Journalism Schools in the Southeast Region Your choice of communication & journalism school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for communication & journalism schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

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

Communication & Journalism Rankings by Degree Level

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

The communication & journalism school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Communication & Journalism Schools in the Southeast Region. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for Communication & Journalism in the Southeast Region

The schools below may not offer all types of communication & journalism degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. 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 Communication & Journalism

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
605 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$43,738 Median Starting Salary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a great option for students pursuing a degree in communication & journalism. UNC Chapel Hill is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were roughly 605 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Those communication & journalism students who get their degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill receive $6,432 more than the average communication & journalism graduate.

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

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
41 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$76,507 Median Starting Salary

Every student pursuing a degree in communication & journalism has to check out Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus. Located in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Tech is a public school with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #19 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Georgia Tech is a great school overall.

There were roughly 41 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Georgia Tech in the most recent data year. Communication & Journalism degree recipients from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus get an earnings boost of around $39,201 over the average income of communication & journalism majors.

More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

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Bachelors Degree Type
BA in Communication Program Name

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More information about a degree in BA in Communication from Southern New Hampshire University

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3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
966 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
0.2% Growth in Graduates

University of Georgia is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a degree in communication & journalism. Located in the city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were about 966.0000000000001 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. Those communication & journalism students who get their degree from University of Georgia receive $4,018 more than the average communication & journalism grad.

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

4
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
421 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$42,944 Median Starting Salary

Savannah College of Art and Design is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in communication & journalism. SCAD is a large private not-for-profit college located in the medium-sized city of Savannah.

There were roughly 421 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at SCAD in the most recent data year. Communication & Journalism degree recipients from Savannah College of Art and Design earn a boost of about $5,639 over the average income of communication & journalism graduates.

More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Savannah College of Art and Design

5
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
959 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
7.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were roughly 959 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent data year. Those communication & journalism students who get their degree from University of Florida make $3,612 more than the typical communication & journalism grad.

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

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
368 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
13.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize suburb of Elon, Elon is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 5th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were roughly 368 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Elon in the most recent year we have data available. Those communication & journalism students who get their degree from Elon University receive $4,716 more than the typical communication & journalism grad.

More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Elon University

7
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
144 Communication & Journalism 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 & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Wake Forest University in the most recent data year. Those communication & journalism students who get their degree from Wake Forest University make $4,749 more than the typical communication & journalism graduate.

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

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Masters Degree Type
MA in Communication Program Name

Effective communicators are always in demand, no matter the industry. The Master's in Communication degree from Southern New Hampshire University is a cutting-edge program designed for forward-thinking professionals.

More information about a degree in MA in Communication from Southern New Hampshire University

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8
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
409 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$42,769 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 409 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent data year. Those communication & journalism students who get their degree from James Madison University receive $5,463 more than the typical communication & journalism grad.

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

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
378 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
11.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 378 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Louisiana State University in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the communication & journalism program make around $38,426 in the first couple years of working.

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

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

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

There were approximately 223 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent data year. Communication & Journalism degree recipients from Virginia Tech get an earnings boost of around $7,003 above the typical earnings of communication & journalism graduates.

More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Virginia Tech

11
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
330 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
6.1% Growth in Graduates

U Miami is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Coral Gables. This university ranks 6th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 330 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent data year. Those communication & journalism students who get their degree from University of Miami earn $4,472 more than the typical communication & journalism student.

More information about a degree in communication & journalism from University of Miami

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Bachelors Degree Type
BA in Communication - New Media Program Name

Explore the digital frontier as it relates to today's communications strategies with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in Communication - New Media from Southern New Hampshire University

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12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
809 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
3.8% Growth in Graduates

UA is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Tuscaloosa. This university ranks 3rd out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were about 809 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the communication & journalism program make around $39,215 for their early career.

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

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
480 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
0.4% Growth in Graduates

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 approximately 480 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at UK in the most recent year we have data available. Communication & Journalism degree recipients from University of Kentucky receive an earnings boost of around $3,104 above the typical income of communication & journalism graduates.

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

14
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
407 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
5.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 407 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent data year. After graduating, communication & journalism degree recipients generally make about $36,667 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Florida State University

15
UARK crest
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
372 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$39,155 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 372 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at UARK in the most recent data year. After graduating, communication & journalism degree recipients generally make an average of $39,155 at the beginning of their careers.

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

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Bachelors Degree Type
BA in Communication - Public Relations Program Name

Prepare to develop your skills in building mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their public audiences.

More information about a degree in BA in Communication - Public Relations from Southern New Hampshire University

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16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
610 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$35,293 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 610 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the communication & journalism program earn around $35,293 in their early career salary.

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

17
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
16th Most Popular In TN
32 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded

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

There were approximately 32 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Vanderbilt University

18
Graduate Certificate Highest Degree Type
196 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
4.6% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 195.99999999999997 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Tulane in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients generally earn an average of $33,212 in the first five years of their career.

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

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
487 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$40,268 Median Starting Salary

UofSC is a very large public university located in the city of Columbia. A Best Colleges rank of #99 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were about 487 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent data year. Those communication & journalism students who get their degree from University of South Carolina - Columbia make $2,963 more than the average communication & journalism student.

More information about a degree in communication & journalism from University of South Carolina - Columbia

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Masters Degree Type
MA in Communication - New Media & Marketing Program Name

Keep your skills and knowledge at the forefront of new media technologies with this specialized online master's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MA in Communication - New Media & Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University

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20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
221 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$35,808 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Richmond, VCU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 221 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at VCU in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the communication & journalism program state that they receive average early career income of $35,808.

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

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
255 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$37,858 Median Starting Salary

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

There were roughly 255 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at ECU in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the communication & journalism program make around $37,858 in the first couple years of their career.

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

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
444 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
16.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Morgantown, WVU is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 25 colleges for overall quality in the state of West Virginia.

There were approximately 444 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at WVU in the most recent year we have data available. Communication & Journalism degree recipients from West Virginia University get an earnings boost of about $6,221 above the typical earnings of communication & journalism majors.

More information about a degree in communication & journalism from West Virginia University

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
271 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
2.6% Growth in Graduates

NC State is a fairly 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 271 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent year we have data available. Communication & Journalism degree recipients from North Carolina State University receive an earnings boost of around $2,583 above the average earnings of communication & journalism majors.

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

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Masters Degree Type
MS in Marketing - New Media & Communications Program Name

Explore how emerging media impacts the study of culture, relationships and messages with this online master's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MS in Marketing - New Media & Communications from Southern New Hampshire University

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24
Auburn crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
308 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
9.7% Growth in Graduates

Auburn is a fairly large public university located in the small city of Auburn. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were about 308 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Auburn in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the communication & journalism program state that they receive average early career income of $37,953.

More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Auburn University

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
321 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
3.4% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 321 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at UNC Charlotte in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the communication & journalism program earn around $38,234 in the first couple years of their career.

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

Rest of the Top Best Communication & Journalism Schools in the Southeast Region

26
URichmond crest
University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA
27
28
C of C crest
College of Charleston
Charleston, SC

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 & Journalism Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
29 Christopher Newport University Newport News, VA
30 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL
31 University of Mississippi University, MS
32 The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TN
33 Florida International University Miami, FL
34 Rollins College Winter Park, FL
35 Lipscomb University Nashville, TN
36 University of North Carolina at Wilmington Wilmington, NC
37 Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL
38 Furman University Greenville, SC
39 Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KY
40 University of North Florida Jacksonville, FL
41 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
42 University of Louisville Louisville, KY
43 University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL
44 The University of Tampa Tampa, FL
45 Appalachian State University Boone, NC
46 Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA
47 Florida Southern College Lakeland, FL

Best Communication & Journalism Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
North Carolina 38 3,740
West Virginia 38 547
Mississippi 38 878
South Carolina 38 1,357
Florida 38 5,962
Virginia 38 2,530
Arkansas 38 946
Alabama 37 1,829
Kentucky 37 1,541
Georgia 37 3,104
Tennessee 37 1,671
Louisiana 37 1,013

View All Rankings >

Communication & Journalism Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Communication & Media Studies 14,251
Public Relations & Advertising 5,369
Radio, Television & Digital Communication 3,646
Journalism 2,731
Communication & Journalism (Other) 534
Publishing 14

View All Communication & Journalism Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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