40 Best Journalism Schools 2024

Best Journalism Schools

Journalism is the practice of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. Journalists research and report on events, issues, and trends to inform the public. Their work appears in newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online. Good journalism is based on accuracy, fairness, and impartiality, providing a crucial service in democratic societies by keeping people informed and holding those in power accountable. This blog lists the 40 Best Journalism Schools in the USA. Best Journalism Schools listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.

40 Best Journalism Schools

1. Northwestern University

  • GPA: 3.75+
  • Median SAT: 1450
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 8%
  • Requirements: Strong essays, extracurriculars, recommendations.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, top media companies.
  • Salary: $70,000 average starting salary, top jobs.
  • Academic Highlights: Renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on experiences.

2. University of Missouri

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Requirements: Strong academic performance, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment rate in local and national media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, solid job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Oldest journalism school, comprehensive curriculum, practical training.

3. Columbia University

  • GPA: 3.8+
  • Median SAT: 1480
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • Requirements: Excellent academic record, strong recommendations.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment in prestigious organizations.
  • Salary: $75,000 average starting salary, significant job prospects.
  • Academic Highlights: Ivy League, renowned faculty, global opportunities.

4. Syracuse University

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Requirements: Good academic record, solid extracurriculars.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, strong industry connections.
  • Salary: $62,000 average starting salary, ample opportunities.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust curriculum, strong alumni network, hands-on training.

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5. University of Southern California

  • GPA: 3.7+
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 13%
  • Requirements: Strong academics, impressive extracurriculars.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, top media placements.
  • Salary: $70,000 average starting salary, extensive job prospects.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive program, state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty.

6. New York University

  • GPA: 3.6+
  • Median SAT: 1350
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 16%
  • Requirements: Strong academics, impressive portfolio.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, major media companies.
  • Salary: $68,000 average starting salary, wide job opportunities.
  • Academic Highlights: Prime location, renowned faculty, hands-on experience.

7. Arizona State University

  • GPA: 3.3+
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Requirements: Good academic standing, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and national media.
  • Salary: $58,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, modern facilities.

8. University of Florida

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 39%
  • Requirements: Solid academics, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, strong media connections.
  • Salary: $62,000 average starting salary, numerous job options.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust program, experienced faculty, practical training.

9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • GPA: 3.6+
  • Median SAT: 1360
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 23%
  • Requirements: Strong academics, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, top media organizations.
  • Salary: $65,000 average starting salary, diverse opportunities.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, renowned faculty, hands-on learning.

10. Emerson College

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 36%
  • Requirements: Good academic record, creative portfolio.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and national media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, ample job prospects.
  • Academic Highlights: Specialized program, hands-on experience, industry connections.

11. University of Texas at Austin

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 32%
  • Requirements: Solid academic record, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, strong industry ties.
  • Salary: $64,000 average starting salary, numerous opportunities.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, modern facilities.

12. Boston University

  • GPA: 3.6+
  • Median SAT: 1370
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 19%
  • Requirements: Strong academics, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, major media placements.
  • Salary: $67,000 average starting salary, diverse job options.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust program, renowned faculty, practical training.

13. Indiana University Bloomington

  • GPA: 3.3+
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurriculars.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $58,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, industry connections.

14. University of Maryland, College Park

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Requirements: Solid academics, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, strong media ties.
  • Salary: $63,000 average starting salary, ample job prospects.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust program, experienced faculty, modern facilities.

15. University of Georgia

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Requirements: Good academic standing, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and national media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, experienced faculty.

16. University of Miami

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 27%
  • Requirements: Strong academics, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, major media companies.
  • Salary: $65,000 average starting salary, diverse opportunities.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive program, renowned faculty, hands-on experience.

17. University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • Requirements: Solid academic record, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, strong media connections.
  • Salary: $62,000 average starting salary, numerous job options.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust program, experienced faculty, practical training.

18. Ohio University

  • GPA: 3.3+
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $58,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, industry connections.

19. Michigan State University

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Requirements: Good academic record, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and national media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, ample job prospects.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive program, experienced faculty, practical training.

35 Best Journalism Schools

20. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • Requirements: Solid academic record, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, strong media ties.
  • Salary: $63,000 average starting salary, diverse job options.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust program, experienced faculty, hands-on learning.

21. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, experienced faculty.

22. University of Kansas

  • GPA: 3.3+
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Requirements: Good academic standing, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $58,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, industry connections.

23. Pennsylvania State University

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Requirements: Solid academic record, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, strong media connections.
  • Salary: $62,000 average starting salary, numerous job options.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust program, experienced faculty, practical training.

24. University of Arizona

  • GPA: 3.3+
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 25
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $57,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, industry connections.

25. University of Colorado Boulder

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Requirements: Good academic record, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and national media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, ample job prospects.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive program, experienced faculty, practical training.

26. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 61%
  • Requirements: Solid academic record, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, strong media ties.
  • Salary: $63,000 average starting salary, diverse job options.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust program, experienced faculty, hands-on learning.

27. University of Iowa

  • GPA: 3.3+
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $58,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, industry connections.

28. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  • GPA: 3.3+
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 25
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Requirements: Good academic record, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and national media.
  • Salary: $58,000 average starting salary, ample job prospects.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive program, experienced faculty, practical training.

29. University of Oklahoma

  • GPA: 3.3+
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $58,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, industry connections.

30. Louisiana State University

  • GPA: 3.3+
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 25
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Requirements: Good academic record, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and national media.
  • Salary: $58,000 average starting salary, ample job prospects.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive program, experienced faculty, practical training.

31. Temple University

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Requirements: Good academic record, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and national media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, diverse opportunities.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust program, experienced faculty, practical training.

32. San Diego State University

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 34%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, industry connections.

33. University of Connecticut

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Requirements: Solid academic record, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, strong media connections.
  • Salary: $62,000 average starting salary, numerous job options.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust program, experienced faculty, practical training.

34. University of Oregon

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, industry connections.

35. University of Washington

  • GPA: 3.6+
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 51%
  • Requirements: Solid academic record, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: High employment, strong media ties.
  • Salary: $64,000 average starting salary, diverse job options.
  • Academic Highlights: Robust program, experienced faculty, hands-on learning.

36. University of South Carolina

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • Requirements: Good academic record, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and national media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, ample job prospects.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive program, experienced faculty, practical training.

37. University of Utah

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 62%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, industry connections.

38. West Virginia University

  • GPA: 3.3+
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $58,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experience, industry connections.

39. University of Tennessee

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Requirements: Good academic record, extracurricular involvement.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and national media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, ample job prospects.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive program, experienced faculty, practical training.

40. University of Alabama

  • GPA: 3.4+
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Requirements: Good academic performance, extracurricular activities.
  • Professional Outcomes: Strong employment, local and regional media.
  • Salary: $60,000 average starting salary, steady job growth.
  • Academic Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum, hands-on training, industry connections.

Best Journalism Schools – Conclusion

Choosing the right journalism school is crucial for a successful career in media. Each of these 40 schools offers unique academic strengths, professional outcomes, and practical experience. From top-notch faculty and cutting-edge facilities to impressive employment rates and competitive salaries, these programs prepare students for a dynamic and evolving industry. Researching and selecting the best fit for your goals and interests will set the foundation for a rewarding career in journalism. Good luck on your journey to becoming a skilled and influential journalist!