Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees 2025

Badge for BEST FOR COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dave Tomar and Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

The best communications research universities 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:

  • A communication bachelor’s degree is the 21st most popular undergraduate degree across all student demographics. This program is offered at many colleges and universities, which means you’ll have numerous choices when searching for the best school.
  • A degree in communication is your pathway to countless job opportunities. Studying communication is a combination of balancing practical skills and theoretical concepts. Once you hone these skills, you’ll become one of the most sought-after professionals among various media outlets.
  • With a communications degree, you can pursue a career in journalism, mass communications, publishing, public relations, or editing, among others.

Top 10 Research Universities Communications Programs in 2025

  1. University of California, Berkeley
    +2
  2. Stanford University
    –1
  3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    +2
  4. University of Michigan
    +2
  5. New York University
    +2
  6. Cornell University
    +2
  7. University of Pennsylvania
    –5
  8. University of California, Los Angeles
    +2
  9. University of Southern California
  10. University of Texas at Austin
    +2

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best research universities for communications degrees saw a considerable amount of movement. The University of California, Berkeley was able to gain first place as a result of the university expanding its Digital Media and Communication Innovation Lab, which provides students with access to cutting-edge tools for studying digital communication, social media analytics, and media production.

Additionally, Berkeley has introduced new interdisciplinary courses that combine communication studies with technology and public policy, allowing students to explore the intersections of media, society, and technological innovation. The university has also strengthened its partnerships with media organizations and tech companies, offering students more internship opportunities and real-world experience in communications fields such as journalism, digital marketing, and public relations.

Featured Programs

Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees

  1. #1

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $56,207
    Salary after 4 years: $72,792
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Berkeley known for?

    University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UCB Communication Major:

    • Media Studies

    UCB Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Digital Studies
    • Global Cultural Studies
    • Media Law and Policy
    Source
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $97,739
    Salary after 4 years: $133,785
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stanford University known for?

    Stanford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Stanford University Communication Major Tracks:

    • Digital Media Studies
    • Media Psychology
    • Journalism
    • Political Communication
    Source
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $106,247
    Salary after 4 years: $145,430
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Massachusetts Institute of Technology known for?

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    MIT Communication Majors:

    • Comparative Media Studies
    • Writing
    • Humanities and Engineering
    • Humanities and Science
    Source
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $56,207
    Salary after 4 years: $72,792
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Michigan Communication Major:

    • Communication and Media
    Source
    Compare school
  6. #5

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $60,438
    Expenses: $27,314
    Starting Salary: $54,369
    Salary after 4 years: $74,419
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    New York University Communication Majors:

    • BS Media, Culture, and Communication
    • BS Media, Culture, and Communication and Global Public Health
    Source
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $66,014
    Expenses: $22,126
    Starting Salary: $70,001
    Salary after 4 years: $95,817
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cornell University known for?

    Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cornell University Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Communication, Environment, Science and Health
    • Communication Media Studies
    • Communication and Information Technologies
    • Communication and Social Influence
    Source
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    #5 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $66,104
    Expenses: $22,924
    Starting Salary: $91,030
    Salary after 4 years: $124,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Pennsylvania known for?

    University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Pennsylvania Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Advocacy & Activism
    • Audiences & Persuasion
    • Culture & Society
    • Data & Network Science
    • Politics & Policy
    Source
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $52,080
    Salary after 4 years: $67,448
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of California, Los Angeles known for?

    University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UCLA Communication Major Specialization:

    • Computing
    Source
    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,237
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $61,424
    Salary after 4 years: $84,077
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern California known for?

    University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Southern California Communication Degree:

    • BA in Communication
    Source
    Compare school
  12. #10

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,678
    Expenses: $19,894
    Starting Salary: $52,578
    Salary after 4 years: $68,093
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Texas at Austin known for?

    University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    UT Austin Communication Major Degree:

    • Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies

    Communication Major Tracks:

    • Corporate Communication
    • Interpersonal Communication
    • Political Communication
    Source
    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,643
    Expenses: $21,909
    Starting Salary: $49,519
    Salary after 4 years: $64,131
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington known for?

    University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Washington Communication Majors:

    • Journalism and Public Interest Communication
    • Communication
    Source
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Northwestern University

    Evanston , IL
    #14 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #15 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #15 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $65,997
    Expenses: $25,293
    Starting Salary: $64,606
    Salary after 4 years: $88,432
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwestern University known for?

    Northwestern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwestern University Communication Majors:

    • Communication Sciences and Disorders
    • Communication Studies
    • Performance Studies
    • Radio/Television/Film
    • Theatre
    Source
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #10 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #15 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #16 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #16 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $63,274
    Expenses: $19,868
    Starting Salary: $71,247
    Salary after 4 years: $97,522
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Carnegie Mellon University known for?

    Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Carnegie Mellon University Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Writing and Communication
    • Technical Writing and Communication
    Source
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    #10 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $68,230
    Expenses: $19,418
    Starting Salary: $61,632
    Salary after 4 years: $84,361
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Brown University known for?

    Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Brown University Communication Major Degree:

    • AB in Modern Culture and Media

    Brown University Communication Major Tracks:

    • Practice Based
    • Theory Based
    Source
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    #19 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $65,168
    Expenses: $21,195
    Starting Salary: $52,501
    Salary after 4 years: $71,863
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Boston University known for?

    Boston University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Boston University Communication Major Fields of Study:

    • Advertising
    • Emerging Media
    • Film and Television
    • Journalism
    • Media Science
    • Public Relations
    Source

    Boston University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Undergrad Completion Program
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Washington University in St. Louis

    Saint Louis , MO
    #19 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #20 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #23 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Washington University in St. Louis

    Cost of Degree: $62,982
    Expenses: $25,506
    Starting Salary: $60,802
    Salary after 4 years: $83,225
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washington University in St. Louis known for?

    Washington University in St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Washington University in St. Louis Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Integrated Marketing Communication
    • Public Relations
    • Applied Media Practice
    • Professional Writing
    Source

    Washington University in St. Louis’s Online Degrees

    BS in Integrated Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Humanities
    • Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $48,950
    Salary after 4 years: $63,394
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill known for?

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Amherst College Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Interpersonal & Organizational Communication
    • Media & Technology Studies and Production
    • New Media Track – an interdisciplinary track within the Media & Technology Studies & Production concentration
    • Performance Studies
    • Rhetorical Studies
    Source
    Compare school
  21. #18

    George Washington University

    Washington , DC
    #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in DC 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at George Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $64,798
    Expenses: $19,325
    Starting Salary: $56,997
    Salary after 4 years: $78,017
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is George Washington University known for?

    George Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    George Washington University Communication Major Degree:

    • Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication
    Source
    Compare school
  22. #19

    University of Maryland, College Park

    College Park , MD
    #11 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #16 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #17 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Maryland, College Park

    Cost of Degree: $11,505
    Expenses: $19,380
    Starting Salary: $50,373
    Salary after 4 years: $65,236
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Maryland, College Park known for?

    University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Maryland Communication Major Specializations:

    • Communication Studies
    • Health and Science Communication
    • Media and Digital Communication
    • Political Communication and Public Advocacy
    • Public Relations
    Source
    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #3 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $16,220
    Starting Salary: $46,744
    Salary after 4 years: $60,537
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Florida known for?

    University of Florida’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Florida Communication Majors:

    • Advertising
    • Combination Degrees
    • Journalism
    • Journalism–Sports and Media
    • Media Production, Management, and Technology
    • Public Relations
    Source
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Emory University

    Atlanta , GA
    #4 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #25 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/33

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Emory University

    Cost of Degree: $60,774
    Expenses: $22,848
    Starting Salary: $58,381
    Salary after 4 years: $79,911
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Emory University known for?

    Emory University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Emory University Communication Major Degree:

    • Bachelor’s of Arts in Media Studies

    Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Media Theory, History and Criticism
    • Media Making
    • Non-U.S. Media
    • Social/Cultural Methods in Media Studies
    • Documentary Studies
    Source
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    #15 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Vanderbilt University

    Cost of Degree: $63,946
    Expenses: $25,644
    Starting Salary: $59,626
    Salary after 4 years: $81,615
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vanderbilt University known for?

    Vanderbilt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Vanderbilt University Communication Major Degree:

    • Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication Studies
    Source
    Compare school
  27. #23

    University of Georgia

    Athens , GA
    #14 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $11,180
    Expenses: $16,926
    Starting Salary: $42,048
    Salary after 4 years: $54,456
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Georgia known for?

    University of Georgia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Georgia Communication Major:

    • AB in Communication Studies
    Source

    University of Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Fordham University

    Bronx , NY
    #2 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #8 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Fordham University

    Cost of Degree: $61,567
    Expenses: $27,583
    Starting Salary: $46,345
    Salary after 4 years: $63,436
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fordham University known for?

    Fordham University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Fordham University Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Communication and Culture
    • Digital Technologies and Emerging Media
    • Film and Television
    • Journalism
    Source
    Compare school
  30. #25

    American University

    Washington , DC
    #7 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/30

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at American University

    Cost of Degree: $56,543
    Expenses: $19,632
    Starting Salary: $46,829
    Salary after 4 years: $64,099
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is American University known for?

    American University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    American University Communication Major Degrees:

    • Film & Media Arts
    • Public Relations & Strategic Communication
    • Journalism
    • Communication Studies
    • Photography
    • Foreign Language & Communication Media
    Source
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Career Outlook for Students with Communications Degree

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Communication

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,942
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,384
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $34,970
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $45,289
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 12 years
  • Job Growth: 4.14%
  • Number of Jobs: 926,700
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Public Relations Managers6.89%$134,760
Fundraising Managers6.02%$119,200
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary3.43%$79,910
Editors-2.01%$75,020
Writers and Authors5.11%$73,690

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Public Relations Managers$134,760
Fundraising Managers$119,200
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$79,910
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

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.

Why Communication Degrees Result in Excellent Careers

The digital era has drastically changed how people see the world and how they receive and access information. But why is a communications degree a good career choice? And what are the unique career opportunities that await you after completing this program?

You will become qualified for job opportunities that you never knew existed

Developing your communication skills can can prepare you for a traditional career in news, media, design, television, and more. But did you know there are also surprisingly interesting career paths you can achieve from communication programs?

A communications graduate could become a curator-in-chief, a story producer, or a music supervisor! Many unique job opportunities are available in the diverse world of communication.

You will make money

Communication and journalism are among the college majors with the highest earnings. Many degree holders in this field even pursue careers in politics or law.

Your ideas are valued

The field of communication is a very broad one. Many communications majors are creative. Creative people have some of the highest job satisfaction rates. They find their jobs interesting, make a lot of decisions, and find many opportunities to take the initiative.

You can work from anywhere

Entrepreneurship and freelancing are two scary words, but the rewards of working on your own and following your schedule outweigh the risks!

A degree in communication is great if you love traveling. Whether chasing a scoop or working on an assignment, freelance jobs in communication give you a chance to work remotely. All you really need is an Internet connection.

Designers, documentarians, wander lusters, and reporters alike all know how amazing it is to live this kind of lifestyle.

Common Areas of Study in Communications Degree Programs

Advertising and Marketing

This is the act of using communication as the primary means of promoting something like a brand, a product, an organization, or a business.

In a degree program in advertising and marketing communications, students are taught how to use an applicable communication theory and leverage the media to communicate with an audience effectively.

Usual topics of study in this program include:

  • audience identification
  • social media
  • digital marketing
  • marketing methods
  • business finance
  • public relations

Broadcasting

This program teaches students how to write, direct, and produce media content for distribution. Broadcasting refers to media that goes out to televisions, radio, and other streaming media services.

Communication Education

In this master’s degree program, students study how communication and information influence our education and culture. The drive is to understand better how education and communication intersect so students in this program can ultimately teach and handle courses related to communication.

Electronic and Digital Media Communication

This degree prepares college students to interrelate with the more modern forms of communication, including television, social media, and other internet-based devices.

Students will learn how to deliver stories using modern communication methods, like producing reports for television or producing videos for various websites. Usual career paths for electronic and digital media communication degree holders include video production, newscasting, photography, sports reporting, and radio programming.

If you think a liberal arts college may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in communication.

Go to all Research Universities for Communications programs

The Best Communications Schools in Your State

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