Best Journalism Schools (2024 Rankings)

Choosing the right journalism school is crucial in today's rapidly evolving media landscape. For aspiring journalists, a strong educational foundation is key, covering not only the fundamentals of reporting and writing but also preparing them for changes in media technology and storytelling techniques. 

Pursuing a journalism major, whether aiming for a bachelor's degree or a master's degree, means finding a program that meets these challenges head-on.

Our 2024 rankings of the best colleges for journalism highlight institutions known for their comprehensive programs in America, offering hands-on experiences and connections to major newsrooms. Each journalism school stands out for its unique strengths, offering courses in investigative reporting, multimedia journalism, and specialized concentrations like photojournalism, public relations, or social media.

Note that these rankings aren't in any particular order. Each J-school we discuss is a leader in its own right, shaping future journalists not just for today's media world but for the journalism of tomorrow.

Northwestern University

Location: Evanston, Illinois

Acceptance rate: 9%

Six-year graduation rate: 95%

Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications stands out for its well-rounded and practical approach to journalism education. 

At Medill, the curriculum spans a wide range of journalistic skills, including in-depth reporting, advanced editing techniques, innovative multimedia storytelling, and a strong emphasis on media ethics. The program is designed to not only teach the fundamentals but also to encourage critical thinking and ethical decision-making in journalistic practice.

A distinctive feature of Medill's program is its commitment to hands-on, experiential learning. Students actively participate in real-world journalism projects through the Medill News Service, where they create and publish stories in professional news outlets.

Columbia University

Location: New York, New York

Acceptance rate: 7%

Six-year graduation rate: 96%

Columbia University's School of Journalism is recognized for its journalism education. The program is characterized by its rigorous and demanding coursework, which thoroughly prepares students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving media landscape. Students are trained in the essentials of journalism, from investigative reporting and ethical decision-making to digital media strategies and multimedia storytelling.

The location of Columbia in New York City provides students with various opportunities. They gain direct access to internships and collaborative projects with leading news organizations like The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and NBC.

Columbia's alumni network includes numerous Pulitzer Prize winners and prominent journalists like Steve Coll and Lynsey Addario.

Boston University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Acceptance rate: 20%

Six-year graduation rate: 89%

Boston University's College of Communication offers a respected journalism program with a curriculum that combines traditional reporting, advanced editing, multimedia storytelling, and media ethics. It emphasizes digital literacy, preparing students for the challenges of modern journalism, including online and broadcast journalism, and data-driven reporting.

The university's location in Boston, Massachusetts, provides students with direct access to internships and projects at major news organizations like The Boston Globe and WBUR. This exposure to real-world journalism is a crucial part of the educational experience.

The program's faculty consists of experienced journalism professionals, and its alumni network includes notable figures such as Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Tyler Hicks.

University of Missouri

Location: Columbia, Missouri

Acceptance rate: 82%

Six-year graduation rate: 73%

The University of Missouri (Mizzou) is widely recognized for its journalism program, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. Founded in 1908, the Missouri School of Journalism has a rich history and a reputation for pioneering journalism education. The curriculum is extensive, covering a range of journalistic disciplines, including news reporting, broadcast journalism, digital media, photojournalism, and strategic communication.

Mizzou offers its journalism students unique opportunities to gain practical experience. The university operates multiple professional-grade media outlets, including a TV station, a radio station, and a daily newspaper.

Notably, the school's alumni include numerous distinguished journalists, like Betsey Bruce, a respected broadcast journalist, and Jim Lehrer, co-founder and former anchor of PBS NewsHour.

University of California, Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, California

Acceptance rate: 17%

Six-year graduation rate: 92%

The University of California, Berkeley offers a distinguished journalism program through its Graduate School of Journalism. The curriculum at UC Berkeley covers a wide spectrum of journalistic disciplines, including investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, environmental journalism, and documentary filmmaking.

Berkeley's location in the San Francisco Bay Area places it at the heart of a dynamic and diverse media landscape. This proximity provides students with access to a variety of internships and reporting opportunities in both traditional and innovative media organizations. The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, allowing students to engage in real reporting and media production from the onset of their studies.

Notable alumni from the program include Pulitzer Prize winners like Dana Priest, an investigative journalist known for her work at The Washington Post.

New York University

Location: New York, New York

Acceptance rate: 21%

Six-year graduation rate: 88%

New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute is distinguished for its modern and diverse approach to journalism education. NYU's journalism program offers a curriculum that encompasses investigative reporting, cultural reporting, digital and multimedia journalism, and other key areas.

NYU's location in New York City offers various opportunities for students. They can gain hands-on experience through internships and projects with major news organizations like The New York Times, NBC, and various influential digital media startups.

The faculty at NYU consists of experienced journalists and scholars, providing a blend of academic knowledge and practical industry insights. Notable alumni of NYU's journalism program include successful journalists like Kristen Welker, the co-anchor of Weekend TODAY and NBC News Chief White House Correspondent, and Rukmini Callimachi, a correspondent for The New York Times and a four-time Pulitzer Prize finalist.

University of Southern California

Location: Los Angeles, California

Acceptance rate: 16%

Six-year graduation rate: 92%

The University of Southern California (USC) offers a prestigious journalism program through the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. The program blends traditional journalistic principles with modern digital media techniques. USC's curriculum covers various aspects of journalism, including news reporting, broadcast journalism, digital journalism, and strategic public relations.

USC's Annenberg Media Center, a state-of-the-art facility, serves as a hub for student journalism, allowing them to work in an environment that mimics professional newsrooms and media outlets.

USC's Annenberg School has a distinguished faculty of experienced journalists and media professionals. Additionally, its alumni network includes notable figures in journalism and media. One such alumni is Willow Bay, currently the Dean of the Annenberg School and a former prominent television journalist.

University of Texas at Austin

Location: Austin, Texas

Acceptance rate: 32%

Six-year graduation rate: 88%

The University of Texas at Austin offers a highly regarded journalism program through the Moody College of Communication. The curriculum at UT Austin covers a wide range of areas, including investigative journalism, multimedia storytelling, photojournalism, and sports journalism.

UT Austin's location in the capital city of Texas offers students numerous opportunities to engage with a diverse and growing media landscape. The program facilitates internships and practical experiences with local newspapers, broadcast stations, and digital media outlets, providing students with real-world experience in a thriving media environment.

The program's alumni network is notable, with graduates who have gone on to successful careers in various media fields. One prominent alumnus is Walter Cronkite, the legendary broadcast journalist known for his long tenure as anchorman for the CBS Evening News.

University of Wisconsin

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Acceptance rate: 57%

Six-year graduation rate: 88%

The University of Wisconsin in Madison's journalism program, part of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, emphasizes the importance of understanding the societal role of journalism, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This research-centric approach enables students to delve into critical issues such as media effects, public opinion, and journalism's impact on democracy, enriching their educational experience.

The curriculum at the University of Wisconsin is diverse, covering traditional journalism areas like investigative reporting and ethics, as well as emerging fields such as data journalism, digital media strategy, and social media.

Keeping pace with the latest trends, the program incorporates training in multimedia production, digital storytelling, and the use of analytics in journalism. This focus on digital-first approaches prepares students for the modern demands of the media industry so they're equipped with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.

George Washington University

Location: Washington, D.C.

Acceptance rate: 43%

Six-year graduation rate: 85%

George Washington University offers a unique journalism program that capitalizes on its proximity to the epicenter of American politics and media. The School of Media and Public Affairs provides students with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in journalism and mass communication.

The program's curriculum focuses on areas such as political communication, investigative reporting, and multimedia journalism. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences, with internships at major news organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in the D.C. area. 

George Washington University's location in the nation's capital also facilitates guest lectures and seminars by leading journalists, media professionals, and policymakers, enriching the educational experience. The faculty consists of experienced professionals and scholars, providing students with a mix of academic rigor and industry insight.

Honorable mentions

In addition to the schools already discussed, several other institutions have notable journalism programs. These top journalism schools are known for their strong academic offerings in media studies:

• Syracuse University
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of Maryland
• University of Florida
• Stanford University

Find the right journalism school with College Rover

Choosing the right journalism school is a big decision that can shape your future career. With so many excellent degree programs across the country, each offering unique strengths and opportunities, it's important to find a school that aligns with your goals and interests. 

At College Rover, we understand the importance of making an informed decision about your education. We can help you research and compare journalism schools and programs. 

Whether you're looking for a journalism degree with a strong focus on digital media, hands-on internship opportunities, or one that's located in a major media market, College Rover offers detailed information to guide your search.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.