Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees

Badge for BEST FOR COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES

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.

Top 10 Research Universities Communications Programs

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  1. Stanford University
  2. University of Pennsylvania
  3. University of California, Berkeley
  4. Northwestern University
  5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  6. University of Michigan
  7. New York University
  8. Cornell University
  9. University of Southern California
  10. University of California, Los Angeles
  1. University of California, Berkeley
  2. Stanford University
  3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  4. University of Michigan
  5. Cornell University
  6. University of Pennsylvania
  7. New York University
  8. University of California, Los Angeles
  9. University of Washington
  10. University of Southern California
  1. American University 64%
  2. Fordham University 58%
  3. University of Washington 53%
  4. University of Maryland, College Park 52%
  5. George Washington University 50%
  6. University of Georgia 40%
  7. University of Florida 30%
  8. University of Texas at Austin 29%
  9. University of Michigan 20%
  10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 20%
  1. University of Washington 20 to 1
  2. University of California, Berkeley 19 to 1
  3. University of California, Los Angeles 18 to 1
  4. University of Texas at Austin 17 to 1
  5. University of Georgia 17 to 1
  6. University of Florida 17 to 1
  7. University of Maryland, College Park 17 to 1
  8. Fordham University 13 to 1
  9. George Washington University 13 to 1
  10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 13 to 1
  1. Brown University $62,304
  2. University of Pennsylvania $61,710
  3. University of Southern California $61,503
  4. Cornell University $61,015
  5. Northwestern University $60,768
  6. George Washington University $59,870
  7. Boston University $59,816
  8. Carnegie Mellon University $58,924
  9. Washington University in St. Louis $58,866
  10. Vanderbilt University $56,966
  1. Brown University $60,944
  2. University of Southern California $60,446
  3. Boston University $58,560
  4. Washington University in St. Louis $57,750
  5. Northwestern University $56,067
  6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology $55,510
  7. Stanford University $54,315
  8. Vanderbilt University $51,600
  9. Carnegie Mellon University $46,441
  10. Emory University $44,800
  1. Fordham University
  2. University of Maryland, College Park
  3. American University
  4. University of Georgia
  5. Emory University
  6. University of Washington
  7. Carnegie Mellon University
  8. Vanderbilt University
  9. Washington University in St. Louis
  10. George Washington University
  1. American University
  2. Fordham University
  3. University of Georgia
  4. Vanderbilt University
  5. George Washington University
  6. University of Florida
  7. Emory University
  8. University of Maryland, College Park
  9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  10. Washington University in St. Louis
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 4%
  2. Stanford University 4%
  3. University of Pennsylvania 6%
  4. Brown University 6%
  5. Vanderbilt University 7%
  6. Northwestern University 7%
  7. Cornell University 9%
  8. University of California, Los Angeles 11%
  9. Emory University 13%
  10. Washington University in St. Louis 13%
  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  2. Stanford University 4 to 1
  3. Carnegie Mellon University 5 to 1
  4. Northwestern University 6 to 1
  5. Brown University 6 to 1
  6. University of Pennsylvania 6 to 1
  7. Washington University in St. Louis 7 to 1
  8. New York University 8 to 1
  9. Vanderbilt University 8 to 1
  10. University of Southern California 9 to 1
  1. University of Florida $4,477
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $7,019
  3. University of Maryland, College Park $9,000
  4. University of Georgia $9,790
  5. University of Washington $10,927
  6. University of California, Los Angeles $11,442
  7. University of California, Berkeley $11,442
  8. University of Texas at Austin $11,752
  9. University of Michigan $16,865
  10. American University $53,334
  1. University of Georgia $8,878
  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $10,552
  3. University of Florida $10,770
  4. University of California, Los Angeles $11,442
  5. University of California, Berkeley $11,442
  6. University of Texas at Austin $12,050
  7. University of Maryland, College Park $15,360
  8. University of Washington $16,605
  9. Fordham University $23,112
  10. University of Michigan $24,902

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.

Featured Programs

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Communications Bachelor’s Degrees

You can turn a communications major into a virtually limitless array of careers. How you use your degree in communications will depend largely on a combination of skills, personal interests, and opportunity. Whether you’d like to edit books for a publishing house, produce a talk radio show, or chase news stories across the globe, majoring in communication can get you started on your way.

Today, top influencers in communication are expanding research on subjects such as the political economy of communication, community media ecologies and impacts on civic and public life, citizen journalism, and much more.

Back to Top

Communications is a popular major because it can provide pathways into countless fields and career opportunities. The study of communication is a balance of theoretical concepts and practical skills. These practical skills are valuable in any field. You’ll learn many of the critical 21st Century skills that employers value such as collaboration, creativity, and the ability to express yourself in a variety of media. Hiring firms actively seek out job candidates with strong writing, speaking, and web-mediated communication skills.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2019, the median annual wage for media and communication occupations was $59,230, as compared to a median annual wage for all occupations of $39,810. And if you succeed as an on-air broadcasting talent, an accomplished journalist, or a noted public relations specialist, you could earn quite a bit more.

Back to Top

Once you’ve declared your major in communications, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in a number of related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized communications electives, there are a number of common courses that most communications majors will be required to take, including:

  • Communication in Digital Media
  • Public Relations
  • Technical Writing
  • Writing in Journalism
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Organizational Communication
  • Photojournalism
  • Crisis Communication

Back to Top

Majoring in communication can provide inroads to a wide range of careers in mass media, journalism, writing, public relations, publishing and much more. Your communication skills and personal interests could take you down a wide range of professional paths, including these top jobs:

Back to Top

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.

Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees

  1. #1

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $58,416
    Expenses: $23,746
    Starting Salary: $95,635
    Salary after 4 years: $133,549
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Stanford University Communication Major Tracks:

    • Digital Media Studies
    • Media Psychology
    • Journalism
    • Political Communication
    Source
  2. #2

    University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Pennsylvania

    Cost of Degree: $63,452
    Expenses: $22,286
    Starting Salary: $89,070
    Salary after 4 years: $124,381
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Pennsylvania Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Advocacy & Activism
    • Audiences & Persuasion
    • Culture & Society
    • Data & Network Science
    • Politics & Policy
    Source
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    46K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,395
    Expenses: $28,648
    Starting Salary: $53,847
    Salary after 4 years: $72,889
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    UCB Communication Major:

    • Media Studies

    UCB Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Digital Studies
    • Global Cultural Studies
    • Media Law and Policy
    Source
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Northwestern University

    Cost of Degree: $63,468
    Expenses: $25,926
    Starting Salary: $63,216
    Salary after 4 years: $88,277
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Northwestern University Communication Majors:

    • Communication Sciences and Disorders
    • Communication Studies
    • Performance Studies
    • Radio/Television/Film
    • Theatre
    Source
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1545/35

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $57,986
    Expenses: $21,864
    Starting Salary: $103,960
    Salary after 4 years: $145,174
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    MIT Communication Majors:

    • Comparative Media Studies
    • Writing
    • Humanities and Engineering
    • Humanities and Science
    Source
  6. #6

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    50K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $17,786
    Expenses: $16,820
    Starting Salary: $53,847
    Salary after 4 years: $72,889
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Michigan Communication Major:

    • Communication and Media
    Source
  7. #7

    New York University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    60K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $58,168
    Expenses: $23,927
    Starting Salary: $53,199
    Salary after 4 years: $74,288
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    New York University Communication Majors:

    • BS Media, Culture, and Communication
    • BS Media, Culture, and Communication and Global Public Health
    Source
  8. #8

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $63,200
    Expenses: $19,996
    Starting Salary: $68,495
    Salary after 4 years: $95,649
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Cornell University Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Communication, Environment, Science and Health
    • Communication Media Studies
    • Communication and Information Technologies
    • Communication and Social Influence
    Source
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $64,726
    Expenses: $20,338
    Starting Salary: $60,102
    Salary after 4 years: $83,929
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Southern California Communication Degree:

    • BA in Communication
    Source
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    47K

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

    Cost of Degree: $13,401
    Expenses: $23,579
    Starting Salary: $49,894
    Salary after 4 years: $67,538
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    UCLA Communication Major Specialization:

    • Computing
    Source
  11. #11

    Brown University

    Providence , RI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Brown University

    Cost of Degree: $65,046
    Expenses: $18,540
    Starting Salary: $60,305
    Salary after 4 years: $84,212
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Brown University Communication Major Degree:

    • AB in Modern Culture and Media

    Brown University Communication Major Tracks:

    • Practice Based
    • Theory Based
    Source
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/29

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,698
    Expenses: $18,548
    Starting Salary: $50,371
    Salary after 4 years: $68,184
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    UT Austin Communication Major Degree:

    • Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies

    Communication Major Tracks:

    • Corporate Communication
    • Interpersonal Communication
    • Political Communication
    Source
  13. #13

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1405/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $62,360
    Expenses: $20,400
    Starting Salary: $51,371
    Salary after 4 years: $71,737
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/30

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

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $16,260
    Starting Salary: $46,895
    Salary after 4 years: $63,478
    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
  15. #15

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    61K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $15,430
    Starting Salary: $44,782
    Salary after 4 years: $60,618
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Florida Communication Majors:

    • Advertising
    • Combination Degrees
    • Journalism
    • Journalism–Sports and Media
    • Media Production, Management, and Technology
    • Public Relations
    Source
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/31

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at George Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $60,946
    Expenses: $18,745
    Starting Salary: $55,770
    Salary after 4 years: $77,880
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    George Washington University Communication Major Degree:

    • Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication
    Source
  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

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

    Cost of Degree: $60,590
    Expenses: $22,886
    Starting Salary: $59,493
    Salary after 4 years: $83,078
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  18. #18

    Vanderbilt University

    Nashville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Vanderbilt University

    Cost of Degree: $60,348
    Expenses: $24,064
    Starting Salary: $58,342
    Salary after 4 years: $81,472
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Vanderbilt University Communication Major Degree:

    • Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication Studies
    Source
  19. #19

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Carnegie Mellon University

    Cost of Degree: $60,854
    Expenses: $18,886
    Starting Salary: $69,713
    Salary after 4 years: $97,350
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Carnegie Mellon University Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Writing and Communication
    • Technical Writing and Communication
    Source
  20. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1326/30

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,242
    Expenses: $19,848
    Starting Salary: $47,440
    Salary after 4 years: $64,217
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Washington Communication Majors:

    • Journalism and Public Interest Communication
    • Communication
    Source
  21. #21

    Emory University

    Atlanta , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Emory University

    Cost of Degree: $57,948
    Expenses: $20,866
    Starting Salary: $57,124
    Salary after 4 years: $79,770
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  22. #22

    University of Georgia

    Athens , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/31

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $11,180
    Expenses: $16,362
    Starting Salary: $40,283
    Salary after 4 years: $54,529
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  23. #23

    American University

    Washington , DC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/29

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at American University

    Cost of Degree: $53,889
    Expenses: $17,814
    Starting Salary: $45,821
    Salary after 4 years: $63,986
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    American University Communication Major Degrees:

    • Film & Media Arts
    • Public Relations & Strategic Communication
    • Journalism
    • Communication Studies
    • Photography
    • Foreign Language & Communication Media
    Source
  24. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    45K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/32

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

    Cost of Degree: $11,233
    Expenses: $18,404
    Starting Salary: $48,258
    Salary after 4 years: $65,324
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Maryland Communication Major Specializations:

    • Communication Studies
    • Health and Science Communication
    • Media and Digital Communication
    • Political Communication and Public Advocacy
    • Public Relations
    Source
  25. #25

    Fordham University

    Bronx , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for Communications degree at Fordham University

    Cost of Degree: $58,082
    Expenses: $25,199
    Starting Salary: $45,347
    Salary after 4 years: $63,325
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Fordham University Communication Major Concentrations:

    • Communication and Culture
    • Digital Technologies and Emerging Media
    • Film and Television
    • Journalism
    Source

Career Outlook for Students with Communications Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Communication

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,568
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,507
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $33,395
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $45,204
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 12 years
  • Job Growth: 2.98%
  • Number of Jobs: 920,200
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Public Relations Managers5.97%$119,176
Fundraising Managers5.04%$103,968
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary3.57%$72,568
Writers and Authors3.70%$65,547
Editors-3.93%$62,469

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$42,827$69,084$118,541

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$98,027
#3 Virginia5% higher than average$85,544
#4 California26% higher than average$108,436
#5 Georgia13% higher than average$69,820
#6 New Jersey13% higher than average$90,417

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Public Relations Managers$119,176
Fundraising Managers$103,968
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$72,568

Go to all Research Universities for Communications programs

The Best Communications Schools in Your State

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