2026 Best Communication Journalism Media Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Communication Journalism Media bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1525 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Communication Journalism Media Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Our analysis found Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus to be the best Communication Journalism Media school in the United States. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,058, with out-of-state students paying around $34,484. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $28,350. Read the full report on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
You'll be in good company at Santa Clara University, which ranked #2 this year. Santa Clara University is a private not-for-profit school based in Santa Clara, CA. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,293. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $18,500. See the full Santa Clara University profile
You'll be in good company at University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $15,637 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
You'll be in good company at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $11,180. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
The strong Communication Journalism Media programs at Wake Forest University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winston-Salem, NC. Wake Forest University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,642. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. See the full Wake Forest University profile
Cornell University landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Graduates carry a median of $14,418 in student loans. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor did well this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $20,376. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Boston College came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $18,500. More on Boston College
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #10 among Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,125 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
University Of Florida came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. University Of Florida Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $17,358 in debt. See the full University Of Florida profile
College Of Saint Benedict placed #12 among Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Saint Joseph, MN, College Of Saint Benedict is a private not-for-profit institution. About 77% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,756. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Read more about College Of Saint Benedict
University Of Southern California placed #13 among Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $18,978. More on University Of Southern California
Villanova University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $26,456. Read the full report on Villanova University
Northwestern University landed the #15 spot in the United States this year. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Students borrow a median of $15,954 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Read more about Northwestern University
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #17 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,176 in student loans. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #18 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates 85% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $20,499. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Delaware ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full University Of Delaware report
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #20 among Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Students borrow a median of $20,974 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. University Of California Santa Barbara Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $13,018 in debt. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
Lebanon Valley College did well this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Annville, PA, Lebanon Valley College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,080. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Read the full report on Lebanon Valley College
Elon University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Elon, NC, Elon University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,958. Elon University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $20,887 in debt. See the full Elon University profile
Drake University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Des Moines, IA. Drake University graduates 73% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $23,250. Get the full Drake University report
Fairfield University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fairfield, CT. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. Students from in state pay about $58,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Get the full Fairfield University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Rest of the Top 50 Best Communication Journalism Media Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,677. See the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign profile
James Madison University placed #28 among Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $21,502. More on James Madison University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo did well this year, earning the #29 position. Located in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,249 in student loans. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
New York University landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Read more about New York University
Depauw University did well this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Greencastle, IN, Depauw University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Students from in state pay about $59,070 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Read the full report on Depauw University
Marquette University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Marquette University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $25,137 in debt. Read more about Marquette University
Denison University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Granville, OH, Denison University is a private not-for-profit institution. Denison University graduates 79% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,000. Graduates carry a median of $25,187 in student loans. See the full Denison University profile
University Of Dayton landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. University Of Dayton posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,140. Students borrow a median of $25,375 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. More on University Of Dayton
Samford University landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Samford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Birmingham, AL. Roughly 77% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $40,150. Students borrow a median of $18,120 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Read the full report on Samford University
George Washington University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $23,862 in student loans. More on George Washington University
University Of Kansas did well this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,673 in student loans. Get the full University Of Kansas report
American University placed #38 among Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. American University graduates 76% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $25,733. See the full American University profile
Southern Methodist University landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. Set in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Southern Methodist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Southern Methodist University Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $19,663 in debt. See the full Southern Methodist University profile
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $22,450. See the full University Of Maryland College Park profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $20,613. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Wisconsin Lutheran College placed #42 among Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Wisconsin Lutheran College posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,110. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Texas A And M University College Station placed #43 among Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $18,040 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
University Of Maryland University College landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Based in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Roughly 20% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. The median Communication Journalism Media program debt is $27,971. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
University Of Nebraska Lincoln did well this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. The six-year graduation rate is 67%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $22,567 in debt. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
University Of California Davis landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. Based in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. Typical Communication Journalism Media student debt is $13,000. Read more about University Of California Davis
Lake Forest College came in at #47 in this year's ranking. Lake Forest College is a private not-for-profit school based in Lake Forest, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,402. Lake Forest College Communication Journalism Media students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read more about Lake Forest College
Arizona State University Skysong did well this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $24,120 in student loans. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
University Of Colorado Boulder did well this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. University Of Colorado Boulder posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $18,296 in student loans. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
Texas Christian University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Communication Journalism Media schools. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $61,740. Students borrow a median of $23,756 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. More on Texas Christian University
Syracuse University placed #51 among Communication Journalism Media schools in the United States. Based in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Syracuse University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. Students borrow a median of $26,379 to complete their Communication Journalism Media program here. Read the full report on Syracuse University
Related Communication Journalism Media Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Communication Journalism Media Schools (All Levels)
- Best Communication Journalism Media Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Communication Journalism Media Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Communication Journalism Media Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Communication Journalism Media Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Communication Journalism Media Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Communication Journalism Media Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1525 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).