Best Colleges for Marketing (2024 Rankings)

Bill Townsend
10/2/2024 | 8 Min Read

Best Colleges for Marketing (2024 Rankings)

Table of Contents

Social media and digital marketing have transformed the marketing scene - and you want a college that can keep you on top of it all. That's why we've rounded up the best colleges for marketing in 2024!

In this article, we'll cover:

The best four-year universities with marketing degree programs and fun campus life
How a bachelor's degree in marketing can set you up
The most popular and highest-paying marketing jobs available

Let's kick off this conversation with a quick overview of the best schools for aspiring marketing professionals after high school, in no particular order.

10 best marketing schools in 2024

Here's a breakdown of this year's top 10 best marketing schools:

University of Pennsylvania

More than just cheesesteaks and the Liberty Bell, Philly is one of the coolest cities on the East Coast. And it just happens to be home to the University of Pennsylvania.

Fast facts:

11,292 total undergraduate enrollment
6% acceptance rate
89% 4-year graduation rate
96% 6-year graduation rate

UPenn is competitive, but if you can get in, we think you'll love it. Not only is it prestigious, but it's also a really fun scene.

UPenn's Wharton School of Business offers access to cutting-edge research, industry connections, and hands-on learning opportunities. The school's prime location in Philadelphia also provides students with tons of internship and networking possibilities in a major business hub.

There's always plenty to do on campus - catch a performance at The Platt, root for the home team at a UPenn basketball game, or laugh it up at the comedy club.

Nothing catching your eye? You have the entire city of Philadelphia outside your door. Concerts, clubs, art - you name it, Philly's got it!

And money doesn't have to get in the way. UPenn has great scholarships and grant programs, as well as entirely need-based financial aid that helps those who need it.

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is one of Michigan's best-kept secrets, bursting with small-town charm. It's a restaurant hot spot and growing tech hub, with the University of Michigan at the center of it all.

Fast facts:

32,282 total undergraduate enrollment
20% acceptance rate
81% 4-year graduation rate
94% 6-year graduation rate

UMich is among the top for-profit schools in the country, with many different degree programs. In their marketing program, you'll learn to crunch data, master social media, and analyze internet shopping trends.

The school also has great professors and financial aid options. On campus, you can catch one of the many Wolverines games (including basketball, baseball, and hockey), hang out on the grassy Diag, or check out the arts and culture scene.

Northwestern University

Have you heard of Northwestern University? They've got two amazing campuses: one in Evanston, Illinois, a cute college town, and the other in Chicago, one of the most fun cities in the Midwest.

Fast facts:

8,847 total undergraduate enrollment
7% acceptance rate
86% 4-year graduation rate
95% 6-year graduation rate

Northwestern is a big deal on the international academic scene, which explains its competitive acceptance rate! But once in, you're guaranteed a top-shelf education.

For example, marketing students have won more first-place awards from the American Marketing Association (AMA) than any other school - impressive, right?

Northwestern's marketing department is a powerhouse, with professors who write the go-to textbooks, run top journals, and snag major awards.

Whether your scene is rooting for the college team - Go Wildcats! - or music and performing arts, there are plenty of student activities on campus. And when the campus gets old, you can venture off-campus to Evanston or Chicago.

Indiana University

Chasing that quintessential college experience? Study hard, party (somewhat) harder? Indiana University in Bloomington offers just the right balance.

Indiana University's Kelley School of Business boasts a top-ranked marketing program that combines cutting-edge research, hands-on learning experiences, and strong industry connections to prepare students for successful careers in the ever-evolving field of marketing.

Fast facts:

34,253 total undergraduate enrollment
85% acceptance rate
69% 4-year graduation rate
81% 6-year graduation rate

Indiana University is a hive of activity. Its sports teams can fill you with competitive school spirit. But add to that regular musical performance, drama, and the hundreds of student organizations on campus, and there's always something to do.

And for a small city, Bloomington really impresses us - festivals for music, films, food, and comedy? Yes, please! There's just so much to do all year long.

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University focuses on building community and creating a fun space for its students. Marketing students benefit from a rigorous curriculum that blends theory with real-world projects, giving them practical skills and industry connections in a vibrant business hub.

Fast facts:

8,034 total undergraduate enrollment
13% acceptance rate
87% 4-year graduation rate
93% 6-year graduation rate

WashU understands that you need more than just academics in your life, and they want to help you unwind. On the campus, you can go and support the WashU Bears, relax at the campus jazz lounge, or enjoy free food and drink at the campus happy hour.

St. Louis is a little big city. It's big enough to be a restaurant and entertainment hotspot but small enough to have a hometown feel. See the sights from the Gateway Arch or catch a Cardinals baseball game - all St. Louis staples you'll love.

University of Texas at Austin

Everything's bigger in Texas, and the University of Texas lives up to that reputation. The campus has hundreds of student organizations and a Texas-sized portion of school spirit! Its marketing program stands out for cutting-edge research, strong ties to Austin's booming tech scene, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Fast facts:

40,916 total undergraduate enrollment
29% acceptance rate
70% 4-year graduation rate
88% 6-year graduation rate

Want to experience the true college spirit of UTexas? There's no better place than a Longhorns Game. No joke, their college football scene is wild.

And sports isn't where the fun ends. From art and culture to music and performing arts, there's always something to check out on campus.

But if you're getting some campus fever, look no further than Austin. Austin is famous for its food and music scene (South by Southwest, anyone?) From eclectic restaurants to party boats, Austin has a lot of options to power your downtime.

Georgetown University

Georgetown puts you at the center of the action in Washington, D.C. - seriously, you're surrounded by political and social trailblazers making history. Its marketing program shines with its prime D.C. location, too, offering students unparalleled access to global business leaders and policymakers while providing a strong foundation in both theory and practice.

Fast facts:

7,598 total undergraduate enrollment
12% acceptance rate
90% 4-year graduation rate
95% 6-year graduation rate

Its coveted internships in the nation's capital can give your resume just the glow up it needs to open all kinds of doors.

As serious as Georgetown is about its coursework, it also knows the importance of a good time. Join Georgetown Day's campuswide party, hang out in one of the many on-campus coffee houses and pubs, or catch an exciting Division I college basketball game.

And when you need to stretch your legs, you have the eclectic D.C. downtown to explore. With over 2,000 restaurants, the Smithsonian museum, and the many festivals around the city, your four years will be tons of fun.

University of Notre Dame

When it comes to beautiful campuses, the University of Notre Dame takes the cake. The campus goes on and on. And the town of Notre Dame has all the right college-town vibes. The school's marketing program stands out for its emphasis on ethical leadership, cutting-edge curriculum, and strong alumni network, preparing students to make big impacts in the ever-evolving marketing field.

Fast facts:

8,973 total undergraduate enrollment
15% acceptance rate
90% 4-year graduation rate
96% 6-year graduation rate

Its over 500 student clubs and organizations always cook up some on-campus activity. But if sports are more your thing, check out the Division I college football team, The Fighting Irish.

And when you're itching to get off campus, the small town of Notre Dame and the nearby city of South Bend are just down the road. From parks and trails to shops and nightlife, it puts everything right at your fingertips.

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University combines the intense atmosphere of a college campus with the trendy and chill vibes of Pittsburgh, which is just steps away.

Fast facts:

6,932 total undergraduate enrollment
14% acceptance rate
79% 4-year graduation rate
93% 6-year graduation rate

CMU has a reputation for being competitive-not quite Ivy League, but still up there! The university's tech prowess bolsters its marketing program, which offers a blend of data-driven marketing strategies and creative problem-solving skills that are highly sought after in today's digital-first business world.

Looking to escape campus for a bit? Pittsburgh's got your back, with cute shopping districts, plenty of restaurants, and free access to museums.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is where academic excellence meets Hollywood glamour. Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, USC offers a unique blend of top-tier education and endless entertainment.

Fast facts:

20,790 total undergraduate enrollment
13% acceptance rate
79% 4-year graduation rate
92% 6-year graduation rate

USC is located in a city that's always buzzing. With its competitive spirit and star-studded alumni network, USC gives you a taste of the fast lane while keeping you grounded in solid academics.

The school's marketing program benefits from its location in the heart of Los Angeles, providing students with plenty of internship opportunities in the entertainment, media, and tech industries, alongside a comprehensive curriculum taught by industry-experienced faculty.

Need a study break? Los Angeles is your oyster! From catching waves at Venice Beach to spotting celebs in Hollywood, or diving into the vibrant food scene in Koreatown, LA's diverse neighborhoods are like a playground for curious minds.

Honorable mentions

Check out these other schools with great marketing programs:

How to choose a college for a career in marketing

In addition to the marketing and business administration programs each university offers, a few things to consider as you compare universities include:

How tuition costs differ for in-state versus out-of-state universities
The financial aid packages they offer
Whether you're looking for an undergraduate degree, master's degree, or Ph.D.
The level of specialization and hands-on experience each program offers
Whether you prefer being on campus or taking online programs

Marketing college and career FAQ

We've answered some common questions about finding the right college and marketing careers in general:

Is marketing a good major?

A marketing degree is one of the most versatile degrees out there. Seriously, marketing graduates with a bachelor's or master's degree have a solid competitive edge!

As long as companies are trying to win over customers, there will always be a need for marketers. Because of that, you can never go wrong with a marketing undergraduate degree like a bachelor of science in marketing, or a graduate program.

Plus, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, managers in advertising, promotions, and marketing earn over $150,000 per year on average - and job growth is projected to increase by 8% between 2023 and 2033. That's double the average for other jobs (just 4%).

Is marketing a business major?

You bet it is! Marketing is a core business major that teaches you about things like consumer behavior and crafting killer marketing strategies. It's where business savvy meets creative thinking.

Whether you want to live in New York City or small-town America, every company needs to connect with its customers. That's where marketing comes in - from crafting public relations campaigns to analyzing market trends, marketing touches every aspect of business.

But marketing isn't just for business schools. Many liberal arts colleges offer marketing programs too, recognizing its importance in today's digital world. So whether you're more into crunching numbers or creative writing, there's a place for you in marketing.

What are the highest-paying jobs in marketing?

Looking to make the big bucks? Check out these annual salaries - all possible with an undergraduate marketing degree:

Corporate communications director: $127,000
Marketing research director: $199,360
Director of email marketing: $187,041

Quickly compare your top marketing schools with College Rover

The universities discussed here are excellent choices if you want to make marketing your career.

As you prepare to apply to colleges and universities, make College Rover a part of your process. College Rover's search engine, special filters, and comparison tools make finding the right college fit much easier!

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.