Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2026

Badge for BEST FOR COMMUNICATIONS COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dave Tomar and Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

The best communications degree programs are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best anthropology degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding anthropology faculty.

Key Takeaways

  • The top communications programs offer advanced studios, production labs, and digital media centers where students can gain hands-on experience in broadcasting, podcasting, and multimedia production, preparing them for diverse roles in the communications field.
  • Leading colleges provide a variety of specializations, such as digital media, public relations, journalism, and strategic communication, allowing students to tailor their studies to match specific career goals in the dynamic communications industry.
  • The programs in our ranking often have established partnerships with media companies, PR firms, and digital agencies, providing students with ample internship opportunities and access to professionals, which can enhance networking and employment prospects after graduation.

Top 10 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees in 2026

  1. University of California, Berkeley
  2. Stanford University
  3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  4. University of Pennsylvania
  5. Northwestern University
  6. University of Iowa
  7. University of Arizona
  8. Arizona State University
    +1
  9. University of Missouri
    –1
  10. Vassar College

Featured Programs

The Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees

  1. #1

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $57,278
    Salary after 4 years: $74,179
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $69K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $70,432
    Salary after 4 years: $96,407
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1550/35

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $85,724
    Salary after 4 years: $117,338
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/35

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $66,104
    Expenses: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $68,380
    Salary after 4 years: $93,597
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $65,997
    Expenses: $25,293
    Starting Salary: $58,584
    Salary after 4 years: $80,189
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Iowa

    Iowa City , IA
    #2 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2026 #18 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #18 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/24

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $10,964
    Expenses: $17,632
    Starting Salary: $40,425
    Salary after 4 years: $52,354
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Iowa’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Creative Writing
    • Human Relations
    • Justice Studies
    • Political Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Enterprise Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-136
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Expression in Writing and Arts
    • Global Studies
    • Family
    • Community
    • and Social Support
    • Health and Human Studies
    • Justice and Ethics
    • Organizational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Radiation Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 121-132
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Sport and Recreation Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Studies
    • Coaching and Sport Instruction
    • Communications Public Relations/Journalism
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Event Management
    • Interscholastic Athletic/Activities Administration
    • Sport and Diversity
    • Student-Designed
    • Required Credits: 123-129
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
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  8. #7

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2026 #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    62K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/25

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $13,277
    Expenses: $19,500
    Starting Salary: $38,532
    Salary after 4 years: $49,901
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Arizona’s Online Degrees

    BA in Africana Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Administration of Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Care, Health and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Cyber Operations
    Degree Concentrations
    • Engineering
    • Defense & Forensics
    • and Cyber Law & Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Economy and Industry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of General Studies, in Arts, Media and Entertainment
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Global and Intercultural Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Global Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Government and Public Service
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Human Rights Practice
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Literacy, Learning and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Information Science and ESociety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Law
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Regional Commerce
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BAS in Intelligence and Information Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Philosophy: Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nutritional Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Sports and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Sustainable Built Environments
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Social Behavior and Human Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Science, Technology, Health and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2026 #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    87K

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,051
    Expenses: $21,219
    Starting Salary: $39,502
    Salary after 4 years: $51,158
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Arizona State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Project Management
    • Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 111-120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication
    • Sustainability
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Educational Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business
    • Community Health
    • Family and Human Development
    • Global Studies
    • Health Innovations
    • Personal Health
    • Political Science
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2026 #1 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2026 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $14,130
    Expenses: $18,142
    Starting Salary: $39,986
    Salary after 4 years: $51,785
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Missouri’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Early Childhood Education In A Mobile Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: `
    • Format: Fully online
    BES in Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BGS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Format: Fully online
    BHS in Radiography
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Format: Fully online
    BHS in Respiratory Therapy
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Format: Fully online
    BHS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Format: Fully online
    BHS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Fitness Programming And Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #13 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in New York 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $67,805
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $42,444
    Salary after 4 years: $58,097
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  13. #11

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2026 #9 Best Public Colleges in California 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    27K

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at San Francisco State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,424
    Expenses: $23,032
    Starting Salary: $41,895
    Salary after 4 years: $54,258
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $69K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1525/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $62,326
    Expenses: $22,974
    Starting Salary: $47,360
    Salary after 4 years: $64,826
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Washington and Lee University

    Lexington , VA
    #22 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #23 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2026 #1 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Washington and Lee University

    Cost of Degree: $64,525
    Expenses: $22,475
    Starting Salary: $57,860
    Salary after 4 years: $79,198
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in Texas 2026 #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Texas Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $11,852
    Expenses: $16,170
    Starting Salary: $38,377
    Salary after 4 years: $49,701
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Texas Tech University’s Online Degrees

    BAAS/BS in Restaurant, Hotel, and Institutional Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BAAS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Early Child Care
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BAAS in Applied Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BAAS/BS in Human Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Digital Media and Professional Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Technical Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Multidisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA/BS in University Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Plant and Soil Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Wind Energy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $72K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $64,150
    Expenses: $22,350
    Starting Salary: $71,664
    Salary after 4 years: $98,093
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    Compare school

The Best Communications Schools in Your State

Go to the best communications schools in Alabama! Go to the best communications schools in Alaska! Go to the best communications schools in Arizona! Go to the best communications schools in Arkansas! Go to the best communications schools in California! Go to the best communications schools in Colorado! Go to the best communications schools in Connecticut! Go to the best communications schools in Delaware! Go to the best communications schools in District Of Columbia! Go to the best communications schools in Florida! Go to the best communications schools in Georgia! Go to the best communications schools in Hawaii! Go to the best communications schools in Idaho! Go to the best communications schools in Illinois! Go to the best communications schools in Indiana! Go to the best communications schools in Iowa! Go to the best communications schools in Kansas! Go to the best communications schools in Kentucky! Go to the best communications schools in Louisiana! Go to the best communications schools in Maine! Go to the best communications schools in Maryland! Go to the best communications schools in Massachusetts! Go to the best communications schools in Michigan! Go to the best communications schools in Minnesota! Go to the best communications schools in Mississippi! Go to the best communications schools in Missouri! Go to the best communications schools in Montana! Go to the best communications schools in Nebraska! Go to the best communications schools in Nevada! Go to the best communications schools in New Hampshire! Go to the best communications schools in New Jersey! Go to the best communications schools in New Mexico! Go to the best communications schools in New York! Go to the best communications schools in North Carolina! Go to the best communications schools in North Dakota! Go to the best communications schools in Ohio! Go to the best communications schools in Oklahoma! Go to the best communications schools in Oregon! Go to the best communications schools in Pennsylvania! Go to the best communications schools in Puerto Rico! Go to the best communications schools in Rhode Island! Go to the best communications schools in South Carolina! Go to the best communications schools in South Dakota! Go to the best communications schools in Tennessee! Go to the best communications schools in Texas! Go to the best communications schools in Utah! Go to the best communications schools in Vermont! Go to the best communications schools in Virginia! Go to the best communications schools in Washington! Go to the best communications schools in West Virginia! Go to the best communications schools in Wisconsin! Go to the best communications schools in Wyoming!

A bachelor’s degree in communications is an excellent starting point for a career in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and a host of other exciting fields. As a communications major, you’ll study language, group dynamics, non-verbal interaction, and more. Majoring in communication can qualify you for a wide range of professional opportunities in business, education, mass media, and more.

A degree in communication may also prepare you for work as a technician in broadcast, film editing, and a host of other media-related technical roles. Exceptional communication skills could also qualify you for a leadership role in a variety of organizational settings. The best schools for communications are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of communications concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Degree popularity: Communication bachelor’s degrees are the 21th most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics. It’s slightly more popular among women, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics.

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