Top 10 Journalism Schools in 2027
The Best Overall journalism school in 2027 is the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University, whose residency-based curriculum, top-tier faculty, and near-100% job placement rate in media and communications make it the gold standard for aspiring reporters, editors, and digital storytellers. The Best Value pick is the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, a tuition-competitive powerhouse that delivers real-world newsroom experience through its Cronkite News service and strong internship pipelines to major outlets like CNN, NBC, and The New York Times. This list is built for students and career-changers evaluating where to earn a journalism degree across the United States, with a focus on curriculum, industry connections, faculty expertise, and post-grad outcomes. Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), U.S. News, Niche, and individual university sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities that journalism students and industry recruiters tell surveys they actually care about, drawing on published figures from ACEJMC, U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the Poynter Institute, and the Society of Professional Journalists. The weighting:
- Curriculum and academic rigor (writing, ethics, digital skills) — 25%
- Industry connections and internship placement — 25%
- Faculty expertise and alumni network — 20%
- Job placement and post-grad outcomes — 15%
- Cost and value — 10%
- Campus resources and facilities — 5%
A school that boasts famous alumni but lacks hands-on newsroom training, or charges high tuition without strong placement rates, drops fast. The winners balance all six.
1. Northwestern University Medill School 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Private University | Tuition: High (but generous financial aid) | Best for: Students seeking a rigorous, residency-based journalism education with unmatched industry access
Located in Evanston, Illinois, the Medill School enrolls roughly 1,200 undergraduate and 400 graduate students across its journalism, integrated marketing communications, and media programs. Medill's signature residency program requires students to complete two full-time, paid residencies at news organizations like The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN, and NBC News, giving them real-world experience before graduation. The school boasts a graduation rate above 95% and a job placement rate near 100% within six months of graduation, with alumni working at top outlets nationwide. Medill's faculty includes Pulitzer Prize winners, former editors-in-chief, and leading digital strategists. The student-to-faculty ratio of about 10:1 supports intensive mentorship. Average starting salaries for graduates hover around $55,000–$65,000, with many moving into senior roles within a few years. Its Washington, D.C. campus offers a direct pipeline to political journalism and policy reporting.
2. Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
Type: Private Graduate School | Tuition: Very High | Best for: Graduate students seeking a prestigious, intensive master's program in journalism
Located in New York City, the Columbia Journalism School is the only graduate journalism school in the Ivy League, enrolling roughly 400 master's students annually. Its M.S. in Journalism program is a 10-month, full-time immersion that covers writing, reporting, ethics, and digital production, with tracks in investigative, data, and broadcast journalism. Columbia's Pulitzer Prizes are administered by the school, and its faculty includes Pulitzer winners and top editors from major outlets. The school boasts a job placement rate above 90% within a year, with graduates landing at The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, and ProPublica. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 8:1, ensuring close mentorship. Average starting salaries for graduates range from $50,000 to $70,000, with many entering competitive fellowships. Its New York City location provides unparalleled access to media networks, internships, and alumni connections.
3. University of Missouri School of Journalism 🏆 BEST VALUE
Type: Public University | Tuition: Moderate (in-state) | Best for: Students seeking a hands-on, affordable journalism education with a historic reputation
The Missouri School of Journalism, founded in 1908 as the world's first journalism school, enrolls roughly 2,000 undergraduates and 200 graduate students in Columbia, Missouri. Its Missouri Method integrates classroom learning with real-world experience through student-run outlets like the Columbia Missourian newspaper, KBIA radio, and KOMU television, giving students daily newsroom experience. The school boasts a graduation rate above 85% and a job placement rate around 90% within six months, with alumni at The Associated Press, Reuters, and local newsrooms nationwide. In-state tuition is significantly lower than private peers, making it a top value. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 15:1, with faculty including former editors and Pulitzer finalists. Average starting salaries for graduates range from $40,000 to $55,000. Its ACEJMC accreditation ensures rigorous standards.
4. University of Texas at Austin Moody College of Communication
Type: Public University | Tuition: Moderate (in-state) | Best for: Students seeking a large, diverse journalism program with strong digital and multimedia focus
The Moody College of Communication at UT Austin enrolls roughly 4,000 students across its journalism, advertising, and communication studies programs. Its School of Journalism and Media offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with tracks in reporting, photojournalism, and digital media. The school's Texas Student Media includes the Daily Texan newspaper, KVRX radio, and Texas Student Television, providing hands-on experience. Moody boasts a graduation rate above 80% and a job placement rate around 85% within a year, with alumni at The Texas Tribune, The Dallas Morning News, and national outlets. In-state tuition is competitive, and the school offers generous scholarships. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 18:1, with faculty including award-winning journalists and researchers. Average starting salaries range from $45,000 to $60,000. Its Austin location offers access to a thriving media and tech scene.
5. University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Type: Private University | Tuition: High | Best for: Students seeking a journalism program with strong ties to entertainment and digital media
The USC Annenberg School enrolls roughly 2,500 students across its journalism, communication, and public relations programs in Los Angeles, California. Its School of Journalism offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with tracks in broadcast, digital, and investigative journalism. Annenberg's Los Angeles location provides direct access to Hollywood, major news outlets, and tech companies. The school boasts a graduation rate above 90% and a job placement rate around 90% within six months, with alumni at The Los Angeles Times, CNN, NBC, and Netflix. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 10:1, with faculty including Pulitzer winners and Emmy-awarded journalists. Average starting salaries range from $55,000 to $70,000. Its Annenberg Media Center houses modern newsrooms and production studios.
6. Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Type: Public University | Tuition: Moderate (in-state) | Best for: Students seeking a hands-on, affordable journalism education with strong digital and broadcast focus
The Cronkite School at ASU enrolls roughly 2,500 students in Phoenix, Arizona. Its Cronkite News service produces daily news content for Arizona PBS and online platforms, giving students real-world reporting experience. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with tracks in broadcast, digital, and sports journalism. Cronkite boasts a graduation rate above 80% and a job placement rate around 85% within a year, with alumni at CNN, NBC, ESPN, and local newsrooms nationwide. In-state tuition is highly competitive, and the school offers generous scholarships and paid internships. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 15:1, with faculty including former network correspondents and digital innovators. Average starting salaries range from $40,000 to $55,000. Its Phoenix location offers access to a growing media market.
7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Hussman School of Journalism and Media
Type: Public University | Tuition: Moderate (in-state) | Best for: Students seeking a well-rounded journalism program with strong research and ethics focus
The Hussman School at UNC Chapel Hill enrolls roughly 1,500 students across its journalism, media, and communication programs. Its School of Journalism and Media offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with tracks in reporting, documentary, and strategic communication. Hussman's Carolina News and WCHL radio provide hands-on experience. The school boasts a graduation rate above 90% and a job placement rate around 85% within a year, with alumni at The News & Observer, NPR, and national outlets. In-state tuition is competitive, and the school offers strong financial aid. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 12:1, with faculty including Pulitzer winners and media scholars. Average starting salaries range from $45,000 to $60,000. Its Chapel Hill location offers a vibrant college town with access to the Research Triangle media market.
8. Syracuse University S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Type: Private University | Tuition: High | Best for: Students seeking a specialized journalism program with strong broadcast and digital media focus
The Newhouse School at Syracuse University enrolls roughly 2,000 students across its journalism, broadcast, and digital media programs in Syracuse, New York. Its School of Journalism offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with tracks in broadcast, magazine, and digital journalism. Newhouse's student-run media includes CitrusTV television, WAER radio, and The Daily Orange newspaper. The school boasts a graduation rate above 85% and a job placement rate around 90% within six months, with alumni at ESPN, NBC, The New York Times, and major networks. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 12:1, with faculty including Emmy winners and industry veterans. Average starting salaries range from $50,000 to $65,000. Its Newhouse complex features modern studios and newsrooms.
9. University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications
Type: Public University | Tuition: Low (in-state) | Best for: Students seeking an affordable, comprehensive journalism program with strong sports and digital focus
The UF College of Journalism and Communications enrolls roughly 3,000 students across its journalism, advertising, and public relations programs in Gainesville, Florida. Its School of Journalism offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with tracks in reporting, sports journalism, and digital media. UF's student-run media includes The Independent Florida Alligator newspaper, WRUF radio, and WUFT television. The college boasts a graduation rate above 85% and a job placement rate around 85% within a year, with alumni at ESPN, The Tampa Bay Times, and national outlets. In-state tuition is among the lowest on this list, making it a top value. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 15:1, with faculty including award-winning journalists. Average starting salaries range from $40,000 to $55,000. Its Gainesville location offers a strong college-town atmosphere.
10. Boston University College of Communication
Type: Private University | Tuition: High | Best for: Students seeking a journalism program with strong urban media connections and broadcast focus
The BU College of Communication enrolls roughly 2,500 students across its journalism, film, and media programs in Boston, Massachusetts. Its School of Journalism offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with tracks in broadcast, magazine, and digital journalism. BU's student-run media includes BU News Service, WBTU radio, and BUTV10 television. The college boasts a graduation rate above 85% and a job placement rate around 85% within a year, with alumni at The Boston Globe, NBC, and national outlets. The student-to-faculty ratio is about 12:1, with faculty including Pulitzer winners and industry leaders. Average starting salaries range from $50,000 to $65,000. Its Boston location provides access to a major media market with opportunities at outlets like The Boston Globe, WGBH, and national networks.
FAQ
What is the best journalism school for broadcast journalism? The University of Missouri and Arizona State University Cronkite School are top picks for broadcast journalism due to their hands-on newsroom experience with student-run TV and radio stations.
Is a journalism degree worth it in 2027? Yes, a journalism degree from a top school provides strong industry connections, hands-on training, and a high job placement rate, though students should focus on digital skills and internships.
What is the cheapest top journalism school? The University of Florida and University of Missouri offer low in-state tuition while maintaining strong programs, making them top value picks.
Which journalism school has the best job placement? Northwestern Medill and Columbia Journalism School boast near-100% job placement rates within six months to a year after graduation.
Can I study journalism online? Yes, many top schools like Arizona State University and University of Florida offer online journalism degrees, though hands-on experience may be limited.
What skills do journalism schools teach in 2027? Top programs emphasize digital reporting, data journalism, multimedia storytelling, ethics, and media law, alongside traditional writing and editing.
Sources
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)
- U.S. News & World Report Best Journalism Schools
- Niche College Rankings
- Poynter Institute
- Society of Professional Journalists
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- Columbia Journalism Review
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