Best institutions to study Communication and Media Studies
Compare 1,255 U.S. colleges offering Communication and Media Studies by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 54 states.
Communication and Media Studies programs report a median of $34,654 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 09.01 and the Public Relations Specialists occupation (BLS SOC).
About Communication and Media Studies programs
The Communication and Media Studies program focuses on the processes of human communication and behavior, exploring how individuals and groups exchange ideas and information across various media. This program is designed for students interested in understanding communication dynamics in interpersonal relationships, social interactions, and diverse cultural contexts.
Students will develop essential skills such as active listening, speaking, writing, and critical thinking. Coursework typically covers topics in communications and media, English language, and administration, equipping students with the knowledge needed to navigate the modern communication landscape effectively.
Top 50 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $62,183 | 104 | 86% | — | $14,928 |
| 2 | Cornell University Ithaca, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $62,182 | 78 | 95% | $17,613 | $14,418 |
| 3 | The University of Arizona Global Campus Chandler, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $58,089 | 7 | 11% | $26,445 | $37,188 |
| 4 | CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York, NY Public · Bachelor's degree | $57,782 | 56 | — | — | $14,125 |
| 5 | Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $55,162 | 202 | 91% | $21,126 | $18,500 |
| 6 | University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, MD Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,513 | 140 | 33% | — | $27,971 |
| 7 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $53,022 | 72 | 97% | $22,055 | $15,637 |
| 8 | Villanova University Villanova, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $52,294 | 153 | 92% | $33,774 | $26,456 |
| 9 | Northwestern University Evanston, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $52,210 | 84 | 95% | $14,799 | $18,112 |
| 10 | Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $51,720 | 103 | 88% | $44,094 | $18,500 |
| 11 | Hobart William Smith Colleges Geneva, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $50,750 | 27 | 77% | $22,374 | $27,000 |
| 12 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,556 | 220 | 93% | — | $20,376 |
| 13 | George Washington University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $50,552 | 34 | 84% | $29,789 | $25,000 |
| 14 | Gustavus Adolphus College Saint Peter, MN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $50,074 | 26 | 77% | $21,607 | $27,000 |
| 15 | Colorado State University Global Denver, CO Public · Bachelor's degree | $49,436 | 5 | — | — | $32,010 |
| 16 | Elon University Elon, NC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $48,637 | 11 | 84% | $33,688 | $23,250 |
| 17 | Pepperdine University Malibu, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $48,398 | 22 | 83% | $41,986 | $19,667 |
| 18 | University of Phoenix - Arizona Phoenix, AZ Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,919 | 231 | 21% | $15,478 | $45,000 |
| 19 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,651 | 440 | 92% | $26,873 | $17,702 |
| 20 | DeVry University - California Ontario, CA Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,622 | 1 | 22% | $35,320 | $56,858 |
| 21 | DeVry University - Illinois Lisle, IL Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,622 | 13 | 37% | $32,381 | $56,858 |
| 22 | Northeastern University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,465 | 153 | 91% | $18,925 | $23,250 |
| 23 | Northeastern University Professional Programs Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,465 | 39 | — | — | $23,250 |
| 24 | Denison University Granville, OH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,396 | 50 | 79% | $23,864 | $25,187 |
| 25 | University of Virginia - Main Campus Charlottesville, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,368 | 112 | 96% | — | $21,230 |
| 26 | Boston University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $47,349 | 55 | 89% | $21,956 | $25,108 |
| 27 | Brigham Young University Provo, UT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,747 | 72 | 81% | $13,712 | $22,530 |
| 28 | Fairfield University Fairfield, CT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,677 | 75 | 84% | $36,845 | $27,000 |
| 29 | University of California - Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,598 | 618 | 83% | — | $13,018 |
| 30 | Fordham University Bronx, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,405 | 116 | 82% | $38,931 | $25,700 |
| 31 | Concordia University - Saint Paul Saint Paul, MN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $46,327 | 2 | 46% | $17,328 | — |
| 32 | Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,320 | 28 | 44% | — | $34,933 |
| 33 | The University of Texas Permian Basin Odessa, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $46,203 | 31 | 40% | — | $22,852 |
| 34 | College of Saint Benedict Saint Joseph, MN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,702 | 19 | 77% | $22,583 | $27,000 |
| 35 | University of St Thomas Saint Paul, MN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,100 | 16 | 76% | $28,888 | $27,000 |
| 36 | Bryant University Smithfield, RI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,071 | 13 | 80% | $38,485 | $27,000 |
| 37 | Messiah University Mechanicsburg, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,021 | 8 | 75% | $25,675 | — |
| 38 | University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus Norman, OK Public · Bachelor's degree | $45,009 | 117 | 75% | — | $25,000 |
| 39 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,638 | 307 | 85% | — | $16,433 |
| 40 | University of Washington - Bothell Campus Bothell, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,638 | 79 | 65% | — | $16,433 |
| 41 | University of Washington - Tacoma Campus Tacoma, WA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,638 | 39 | 63% | — | $16,433 |
| 42 | St Catherine University Saint Paul, MN Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,606 | 7 | 61% | $21,042 | $30,750 |
| 43 | Chapman University Orange, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,601 | 105 | 82% | $42,965 | $19,500 |
| 44 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,571 | 370 | 68% | — | $22,500 |
| 45 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,571 | 604 | 0% | — | $22,500 |
| 46 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,309 | 308 | 86% | — | $20,613 |
| 47 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,283 | 207 | 90% | — | $22,500 |
| 48 | Utah Valley University Orem, UT Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,202 | 1 | 45% | — | $14,200 |
| 49 | Emerson College Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,108 | 64 | 77% | $40,982 | $23,953 |
| 50 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MO Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,078 | 215 | 75% | — | $20,500 |
Offered across 54 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-3031, Public Relations Specialists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Communication and Media Studies program can pursue various careers in fields such as public relations, media, and corporate communication. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.8% and approximately 27,600 annual openings. The median wage for related occupations is around $69,780, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Communication and Media Studies
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 09.01.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 09.01 (Communication and Media Studies) maps to 10 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-2032 | Public Relations Managers |
| 11-2033 | Fundraising Managers |
| 13-1131 | Fundraisers |
| 25-1122 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 27-3011 | Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys |
| 27-3023 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists |
| 27-3031 | Public Relations Specialistsprimary |
| 27-3041 | Editors |
| 27-3043 | Writers and Authors |
| 27-3099 | Media and Communication Workers, All Other |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Communication and Media Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
- Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
- Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
- Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
Concentrations within Communication and Media Studies
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Communication, GeneralCIP 09.0100
A program that focuses on the comprehensive study of communication, and that spans the study of mass communication/media studies, old and new media technologies, social and political applications, an
- Speech Communication and RhetoricCIP 09.0101
A program that focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts
- Mass Communication/Media StudiesCIP 09.0102
A program that focuses on the analysis and criticism of media institutions and media texts, how people experience and understand media content, and the roles of media in producing and transforming cul
- Communication and Media Studies, OtherCIP 09.0199
Any instructional program in communication and media studies not listed above.
Common questions
What can I do with a degree in Communication and Media Studies?+
Graduates can work in public relations, media, corporate communication, and more.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, speaking, writing, critical thinking, and more.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.8%.
What level of education is typically required?+
Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree.
How much do Communication and Media Studies graduates earn?+
Communication and Media Studies graduates report median earnings of $34,654 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Public Relations Specialists occupation pays about $84,120 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Communication and Media Studies?+
Communication and Media Studies maps to CIP 09.01 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Explore every U.S. college in one conversation
Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.
Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card