Choosing the best school for communication studies can be a daunting task. Yet, with a little research, you can find the best communication college for your needs. There are many different factors to consider, such as location, reputation, and cost. There are also many different specialties within the field, such as public relations, advertising, and journalism.
Once you have a general idea of your study preferences, you can start narrowing down your options. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the best communication universities, colleges, and schools in the country. These colleges and universities offer top-notch programs that will prepare you for a successful career in communication.
Best Communication College and University Rankings: Top 10 Communication Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| American University | Washington DC | Online and in-person | 79 |
| Brigham Young University | Utah | In-person | 79 |
| Ohio University | Ohio | Online and in-person | 179 |
| Rutgers University | New Jersey | Online, hybrid, and in-person | 63 |
| The University of Alabama | Alabama | Online and in-person | 148 |
| University of Arkansas | Arkansas | In-person | 162 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Colorado | Online and in-person | 99 |
| University of Florida | Florida | Online and in-person | 28 |
| University of Missouri | Missouri | Online and in-person | 122 |
| Utah State University | Utah | Online and in-person | 249 |
Communication School Rankings: Best Communication Colleges and Universities
In this section, we discuss the best communication colleges and universities. The information below includes their graduation rates, acceptance rate, world rankings, and the type of degree programs they offer.
The Best Schools for Communication: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The best schools for communication offer many types of college degrees and university programs in communication including certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Below are the short descriptions of each type of degree.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Communication Schools: Other Communication University Rankings
The best communication school for you considers your learning preferences and professional goals. The following communication university rankings are based on unique categorization, such as online options, dual degrees, and accelerated programs.
Best Online Communication Schools
- Ohio University. Its range of online programs is part of the top 100 online programs of the US News & World Report. The school offers more than 60 online programs to undergraduate students.
- University of Florida. This university ranks first in US News & World Report’s list of the best online bachelor’s degree. The ranking is based on the widely accepted indicators of excellent education.
- University of Minnesota. A flexible online Bachelor’s Degree in Communication is available at University of Minnesota. The program is highly affordable and interactive. Financial aid is also available.
Best Community Colleges for Communication
- Central New Mexico Community College. This school is a great choice for undergraduate students interested in communications programs. Central New Mexico Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Communication degree, which is transferable to four-year colleges.
- Monroe Community College. The communication associate program by Monroe Community College is offered in three tracks. These include journalism, public relations, and organizational communication.
- South Texas College. This school is one of the best community colleges for communication programs. Communication programs offered by South Texas College are one of the most affordable in the US with its range of financial aid options.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Communication
- Brigham Young University. This university’s undergraduate communication programs are affordable at a maximum of $646 per credit. Undergraduate students with financial needs can get quality education at low tuition rates.
- Ohio University. Financial aid is available for undergraduate degrees in communication at Ohio University. The programs are flexible and can also be completed online.
- University of Florida. The university offers one of the top-ranked bachelor’s programs that are both flexible and low-cost. Communication graduates of this school are known to be highly employable.
Best Graduate Schools for Communication
- American University. American University offers master’s programs in communication that are flexible, as they can be completed either on-campus or online.
- Rutgers University. Rutgers University’s graduate programs for communication have access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
- University of Alabama. The master’s programs at University of Alabama are comprehensive. They prepare students not only to pursue higher studies but also careers in teaching and other professional communication fields.
Best Communication Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- George Washington University | Media and Strategic Communication BA/MA. George Washington University offers a combined Bachelor’s And Master’s Degree in Media and Strategic Communication. Undergraduate students with journalism, mass communication, and political communication majors can apply to this program three semesters before their graduation.
- Rutgers University | Communication Dual BA/MCM. Rutgers University’s communication dual degree program can be completed in five years. Undergraduate students who are in their junior or senior year with communication majors in journalism, or media studies are eligible to apply.
- University of Florida | Master of Arts in Mass Communication. University of Florida offers a dual degree program with a Master of Arts in Mass Communication. Undergraduate students of any college of this university can apply for the dual degree program.
Best Schools With Accelerated Communication Programs
- American University | PhD in Communication. This PhD program in communication is designed on an accelerated structure and can be completed in three years.
- University of Alabama | Accelerated Master’s Program in Communication Studies. With this program, undergraduate students with communication majors can earn both the Bachelor and Master of Arts in Communication Studies in five years. This is both an accelerated and dual degree program.
- University of Colorado | Master of Arts in Corporate Communication. The Master of Arts in Corporate Communication program is designed for working professionals. This program consists of seven-week terms rather than the traditional eight-week terms. It can be completed in as short as 18 months.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Communication Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for communication is worth it. A graduate degree in communication can help you land a job in various fields, such as public relations, advertising, media, and marketing. It can also help you advance your career if you’re already working in the field of communication.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Communication Degree?
There are various jobs that you can do with a communication degree. Some of the most popular ones include public relations, marketing, advertising, media, and event planning. With a degree in communication, you have versatile skills that you can use for working in various industries and sectors.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Communication?
The average salary of someone with an associate degree in communication is $55,000 per year. A bachelor’s degree holder in communication has an average yearly salary of $64,000. Those with a Master’s Degree in Communication can earn up to $67,000 per year, while those with a PhD can make an average of $74,000 per year.
Highest-Paying Communication Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $135,030 |
| Fundraising Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $119,860 |
| Technical Writer | Bachelor’s degree | $78,060 |
| Postsecondary Teacher | PhD degree | $77,560 |
| Writer and Author | Bachelor’s degree | $69,510 |
| Instructional Coordinators | Master’s degree | $63,740 |
| Editor | Bachelor’s degree | $63,350 |
| Desktop Publisher | Associate degree | $46,910 |
| Broadcast Technician | Associate degree | $44,740 |
| Announcer and DJ | Bachelor’s degree | $37,630 |
Best Jobs With a Communication Degree
The best jobs with a communication degree are fundraising manager, technical writer, postsecondary teacher, writer and author, and broadcast technician. All these jobs need different levels of degree. Below are some of the best communication jobs according to degree level.
How Can I Pay for Communication School?
You can pay for communication school through loans, scholarships, grants, fellowships, or teaching assistantships.
- Student Loan. You can take a student loan from the government or a private institution to pay for your education. You’ll have to start repaying the loan with interest after you graduate. Some lenders allow you to repay the loan after securing a job after graduation.
- University Scholarship. You can apply for a university scholarship that will cover all or part of your tuition fees. The scholarship will be based on academic merit or financial need.
- Government or Private Sector Scholarship. You can apply for a government or private scholarship to pay for your education. The scholarship will also be based on academic merit or financial need.
- Fellowship. A fellowship is a type of grant given to a student to help with living expenses while they are attending school. Fellowships are usually given to PhD students.
- Teaching Assistantship. In a teaching assistantship, you’ll get a salary by giving one to two lectures per week to undergraduate or graduate students. You can also help your supervisor in their research projects. Teaching assistantships are usually given to PhD students.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Communication School for You
To choose the best communication school for you, you should consider the accreditation, location of the school, cost of attendance, financial aid, and class format. Other considerations include the school’s academic reputation, job placement rate, and internship and research opportunities.
Accreditation
The accreditation status of the school is important because it ensures that the school meets the standards set by the professional accreditation body. The accreditation status also ensures that the credits you earn at the school will be transferable to another institution.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid
The cost of attendance is an important factor to consider. You should know how much you can afford to pay for tuition and other fees. You should also look for financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, or loans to sponsor your study.
Format
The format of the program is also an important factor to consider. If you’re working full-time, you may want to consider an online or hybrid program. On-campus programs are best for prospective students who can study full-time.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Communication?
Yes, it matters what college you go to for your communication degree. If you want to pursue a career in communication, you should choose the best communication school that meets your needs and budget. The best schools for communication also have a good reputation and high placement rate, are affordable, and offer internship and research opportunities.
Communication University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Communication
We ranked the best communication schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our communication university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of communication degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Communication
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/communication-research-topics/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/communication-associate-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/communication-masters-degrees/
Best Communication Schools FAQ
Yes, a communication degree is worth it if you want to pursue a career in broadcasting, media, advertising, public relations, or marketing. You’ll learn essential skills like how to communicate effectively and how to work with different types of media. Many top companies prefer to hire employees with a background in communication.
No, a communication degree is not hard to earn. While the coursework for a communication degree can be challenging, the key is to choose a program that best suits your interests and abilities. There are many different types of communication programs available, so you’d be able to find one that is a good fit for you.
The advantage of a dual degree program in communication is that it allows you to earn two degrees in a shorter amount of time. You can get a communication bachelor’s degree, along with a master’s degree in your preferred specialization.
No, communication and journalism are not the same, although they are interrelated. Communication is a broad field that includes many different types of media. Journalism is a specific type of communication that focuses on reporting news. In short, journalism majors take the program under the umbrella of the vast communication field.
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