Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs

Best Publishing institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 25 U.S. colleges offering Publishing by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 19 states.

Institutions
25
offering CIP 09.10
States offered
19
with a program page
With earnings data
1
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
330
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$17,585
1 year after graduation
US pay · Editors
$85,700
BLS OEWS 2024

About Publishing programs

The Publishing program focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the field of communication, journalism, and related areas. It is designed for students interested in the intricacies of publishing, including editing, content creation, and manuscript evaluation. This program prepares individuals to navigate the dynamic landscape of publishing and media.

Learn more about Publishing

What you'll learn

Students in the Publishing program will develop core skills such as reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework often includes tasks related to proofreading, fact-checking, and manuscript editing, equipping students with the tools needed to enhance readability and engage audiences effectively.

Top 1 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$17,585682%$23,620$27,000

Offered across 19 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Pennsylvania4$17,585Susquehanna University
Californialimited1
District of Columbialimited1
Idaholimited1
Marylandlimited1
Massachusettslimited1
Michiganlimited1
Minnesotalimited1
Missourilimited1
Nebraskalimited1
New Jerseylimited1
New Mexicolimited1
New York3
North Dakotalimited1
Oregonlimited1
Tennesseelimited1
Texaslimited2
Utahlimited1
Virginialimited1

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-3041, Editors, and its national outlook.

Graduates of the Publishing program can pursue various careers in the publishing industry, with an outlook showing little or no change in job growth. There are approximately 9,800 annual openings, with a median wage of $75,260. A typical requirement for entry-level positions is a Bachelor's degree.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+0.6%
Little or no change
Openings / yr (US)
~9,800
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$75,260
typically Bachelor's degree
National employment
95,480
Editors
US average pay
$85,700
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$75,260
annual

Top-paying metros

New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
$117,790avg
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$113,520avg
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
$111,800avg
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$106,810avg
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
$100,160avg

Related careers

Editors
$85,700 avg · 95,480 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Publishing programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Reading Comprehension
Writing
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Active Learning
Monitoring
Learning Strategies

Knowledge areas

English Language
Communications and Media
Administration and Management
Administrative
Education and Training
Customer and Personal Service

What graduates do on the job

  • Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
  • Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
  • Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
  • Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
  • Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
  • Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.

Tools & technology

Adobe AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe CaptivateAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe DreamweaverAdobe FrameMakerAdobe IllustratorAdobe InCopy

Concentrations within Publishing

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Publishing
    CIP 09.1001

    A program that focuses on the process of managing the creation, publication, and distribution of print and electronic books and other text products and prepares individuals to manage the editorial, te

Common questions

What is the focus of the Publishing program?+

The program focuses on skills and knowledge related to editing, content creation, and manuscript evaluation in the publishing industry.

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop skills in reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking, and effective communication.

What are the career prospects after graduation?+

The job outlook shows little or no change, with around 9,800 annual openings in the publishing field.

What is the typical education requirement for this field?+

A Bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions in publishing.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

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