2024 Best Colleges for Communications in America

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,007 reviews

Sophomore: So far I have not started my sophomore year as I am transferring from Pepperdine University. However, from what I have heard, seen, and experienced from USC is that it gives students the opportunity to explore their creative and intellectual sides simultaneously. I recently attended a transfer orientation session and it was filled with school spirit and gave us transfer students an opportunity to connect with the school as well as with other transfers. This orientation was packed with exciting events that truly made each person who attended eager to get on campus in August. USC offers many different programs along with a variety of specific classes and clubs. I am excited to see how this year goes and I am looking forward to joining the many opportunities that USC offers their students!... Read 4,007 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,471 reviews

Junior: Northwestern University is a great college for students hoping to find a wide array of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Northwestern offers a wide range of courses on many different topics and because of the number of courses required to complete most majors (12-16), students in the College of Arts and Sciences are able to explore classes outside their majors at their leisure. The Quarter System can feel intimidating at first because of how fast-paced the courses can be but it also allows students to take more classes each year than a semester system which means students get to learn even more! Campus is also beautiful, located right next to Lake Michigan, so students are able to spend time outside of class at the beach and walking on the Lakefill.... Read 1,471 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $29,999

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Austin, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  6,702 reviews

Senior: I've had an amazing experience at UT. Pursuing a career in journalism, it's an honor to be studying at one of the best journalism programs in the world! I've learned so much from such amazing and accomplished journalists, and I've been able to grow my knowledge and journalistic writing and center in on exactly what path I want to go down in journalism. Along with that, I've been able to pursue other academic interests of mine through pursuing an additional degree in sociology and a certificate in human rights and social justice. I've been able to broaden my knowledge on the issues that plague marginalized communities around the world and through this I've been able to strengthen my reporting and story telling as a journalist. I've also completed four internships throughout my time at the university, and will be studying abroad in the fall! I've grown and gained so much during my time here, and I can't wait to see how much I'll learn and grow during my last year.... Read 6,702 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $16,589

• SAT range 1230-1500

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,267 reviews

Alum: The first year at Stanford was incredibly enjoyable, especially for those with intellectual curiosity, given the abundance of opportunities across various interests. While the engineering school is popular, Stanford isn't solely focused on engineering, as confirmed by others not in that field. I particularly appreciate the diverse range of activities available, from engaging extracurriculars and sports to vibrant parties and valuable work opportunities. Personally, I regularly enjoyed activities like surfing at the excellent spots in Santa Cruz, about an hour off-campus, and hiking in the picturesque hills nearby. Questions about controversial topics like the "prohibited words list" did come up, but, in reality, it had and continues to have no impact on campus life. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Stanford to anyone and everyone.... Read 1,267 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,339 reviews

Sophomore: As a University of Pennsylvania student, my experience has been transformative. The academic rigor and diverse courses allowed me to explore passions and develop critical thinking. Accessible and knowledgeable faculty shaped my journey, while the vibrant campus life fostered a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. I appreciate the emphasis on research opportunities, collaborating with renowned scholars, and Philadelphia's cultural scene, offering internships and networking. However, addressing the cost of attendance with more financial aid options and scholarships is essential for equal access. Moreover, enhancing inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups would strengthen our community further. Overall, UPenn has provided exceptional opportunities, but improvements can make it an even more accessible and inclusive institution for all students.... Read 1,339 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Gainesville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  8,004 reviews

Sophomore: The student organizations, resources for students, and variety of courses is incredible. Every day I discover a new opportunity for professional and personal growth and the resources for mental and physical health are phenomenal. The fitness centers on campus have classes, personal training, and top notch equipment. There are so many ways to get involved and a club for EVERY interest, both personal and professional. My only complaints are that the advisors can be hit or miss. Some advisors are incredible and give you a breath of information and provide you with a ton of resources but some advisors left me with more questions than answers. Some of the professors are amazing and passionate and the reason why I changed my major to economics. On the other hand some professors were so incredibly bad that I changed my major to something outside of their discipline. Some professors courses are incredibly unorganized and were more about them showing off than helping students. Great school!... Read 8,004 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $9,809

• SAT range 1300-1470

• Athens, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  5,717 reviews

Alum: UGA is definitely a large, State University which was a fit for me since I was unsure as to what career path I was initially interested in. So many choices! But it gets much smaller and intimate over time as you get through the core classes and begin to specialize. I joined a fraternity while I was there, but you certainly don't need to be a part of Greek life to find a multitude of social opportunities. It's very easy to make friends at UGA. The sports are amazing and the academics continue to strengthen as the years go by. There really aren't any obvious weaknesses to discuss. The only thing I will say is that the number of students is stressing the available infrastructure in terms of parking and housing. If UGA will focus on increasing the number of dorm rooms and parking spaces then it would help a lot. And this can be accomplished in a very thoughtful way so as not to diminish the beauty and walkability of the campus.... Read 5,717 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 40%

• Net price $16,902

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Boston, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  3,594 reviews

Sophomore: I really enjoyed my time there! There are a lot of events for different types of people, like women and non-binary rock-climbing events, Asian student get-togethers, community fast breaking for Muslim students, Questbridge scholar movie nights, and many more. One thing I would like to see change is better advertisement and outreach for extracurriculars and clubs. Other than during Splash, it is difficult to see what kinds of different groups are doing and if you can join.... Read 3,594 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $25,852

• SAT range 1360-1520

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,529 reviews

Junior: I came into UCLA as a transfer student and immediately joined the transfer summer program. The support I received from the program was incredible. I was able to form a community, make new friends, and explore the seemingly endless opportunities UCLA has to offer. Within the first month, I had an opportunity to join a physics lab. This is something that I wanted to do since I began my college journey. To be able to have this opportunity at UCLA is something that I have only dreamt of until now. Additionally, the people that you meet here at UCLA are all incredible and smart in their own ways. I have met tons of ambitious students with their own unique goals and career aspirations. It seems like this is a place filled with endless opportunity!... Read 5,529 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  2,625 reviews

Junior: Over all my experience at UNC has been very good! It is a fast pace academically challenging environment. I consider this a good thing, the challenge and learning is exactly what I was looking for. The classes and teachers push me to work hard and grow. The mindset of the other students is likewise. Most students I encounter with are hard working. The main bad experience I have had at UNC Chapel Hill is the two lock downs caused by armed and dangerous people on campus. I do not completely blame the university for this as, of course, they cannot control every possible threat that steps onto campus. The first lock down a staff member was tragically shot and passed away. The university cancelled classes the next two days out of respect and to allow the students to recover. This was the right thing to do. However the second lock down class continued the next day as normal. I am believe they should have cancelled class at least one day after to allow students a break to process and recover.... Read 2,625 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $11,508

• SAT range 1140-1380

• Ithaca, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  2,057 reviews

Sophomore: Although I have not yet graduated from Cornell University, my experience thus far has been both demanding and rewarding. The academic rigor and high standards have challenged me to push my boundaries and strive for excellence. While the workload can be overwhelming at times, I believe that the difficulties I have faced will ultimately pay off in terms of career opportunities. Cornell's prestigious reputation and strong emphasis on research and innovation provide a solid foundation for future success. With access to renowned faculty, extensive resources, and a supportive community, I am confident that my time at Cornell will pave the way for a promising professional journey.... Read 2,057 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $24,262

• SAT range 1450-1560

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  4,621 reviews

Senior: This is a fabulous choice school for someone looking to truly have the social and academic life balance, such as I am. This environment is more than suitable even for those who are dedicated wholeheartedly either side of that social-academic spectrum- though the opportunities for growth and exploration in each regard are something I refuse to believe can be found on any other campus. The professors are renowned in their respective fields, if not the world, and are advisable, inspiring, generous (most of the time), and constructors of some of the most effective and informative curriculums I can imagine. What is most imperative to emphasize is that exponential emotional, academic, and professional development occurs for every person. If you have faced adversity in the past or are entering college first-gen like me, attending UM will open your eyes, open doors, and change your life past in the best way while you overcome challenges you never thought you could. But it's definitely hard!... Read 4,621 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $19,205

• SAT range 1340-1520

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,671 reviews

Junior: To start, living on my own in the city has been an authentic experience that has helped me grow as a young adult, taking on new responsibilities and meeting different people! Overall, college is what you make it. There are so many resources and opportunities, some clearly offered and pushed, and some just found by research or who you know (so be friendly and make connections!). Regarding classes, my professors are very inspiring, with expertise and experience. With the educational aspect, you'll learn the concrete information (rules and details of a concept) by studying and reading; you have to put in your own effort if you want to learn, either on your own time out of class, or for an assignment. Discussions and work in class with the professor are more on the abstract side of things, regarding ideals and philosophies, making you think about the world around you and how you can make a positive impact. Content and work differs by class, but your education relies on your effort!... Read 5,671 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• East Lansing, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  6,168 reviews

Senior: Michigan State University has truly transformed my academic journey. As a transfer student, choosing MSU was the best decision I ever made. The warm welcome from both faculty and peers made me feel right at home. Through engaging classes, I not only gained knowledge but also forged incredible friendships. Joining a professional business fraternity was a pivotal move; the networking opportunities and mentorship have been invaluable. I'm thrilled to share that I've already secured a full-time job offer, thanks to the solid foundation MSU provided. My time here has been nothing short of extraordinary. Go Green!... Read 6,168 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $8,738

• SAT range 1100-1320

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  1,071 reviews

Niche User: I am currently enrolled as an incoming freshman at Brown University but I have been fortunate to participate in two of their pre-college programs. Overall, the academic resources and opportunities to explore STEM-based passions are incredibly diverse and accessible. The campus has amazing faculty that are engaged in the subject, both in and out of the classroom. They provide insightful feedback and support, especially as I had little experience doing lab work in high school. Outside the classroom, there were countless facilities and events that covered a wide variety of interests. These helped me foster a strong sense of community as I was able to connect with peers of similar likes during these events. I love how interconnected the university is with the larger city of Providence, which makes both professional and recreational engagement more accessible. Lastly, the Brown community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. Everyone there was proactive and engaged!... Read 1,071 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $25,028

• SAT range 1460-1570

• College Station, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  7,718 reviews

Alum: Texas A&M is a great place to get an education and make friends and professional connections. The opportunities to get involved in research, service, teaching, and internships are vast! The culture is unique and friendly overall, and it is easy to find your niche and family here. People come from all over Texas and the world and enrich the campus discussions. The professors are usually organized, excellent communicators, and very willing to help students. Classes can be pretty big, so it's important to stay engaged. The dorms and apartments I have lived in (Lechner, Davis-Gary, and the Gardens) have all been spacious, well-maintained, quiet, and safe. There are several good places to dine on campus; however, it can get expensive. Parking and riding the bus can be hectic although it gets easier after the first few weeks of the semester. Sometimes the off-campus activities are limited, but there is normally something happening on campus.... Read 7,718 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $22,253

• SAT range 1140-1380

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  3,415 reviews

Freshman: The student life here is amazing, and it's clear the university wants its students to feel comfortable on campus. TA's and professors have been mostly receptive to emails and eager to help out when needed. The location and surrounding resources are valuable and easy to take advantage of as a student. I wish professors were better equipped to use canvas or some other teaching website. Also, there should be a standardized attendance app or website that is used by all teachers rather than having to download two or three separate applications in a semester depending on which professors you have. Overall, a great experience!... Read 3,415 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $13,484

• SAT range 1320-1500

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  5,806 reviews

Senior: As a fourth-year student at The Ohio State University, my experience has been enriching. The diverse academic programs allowed me to explore various fields, and the faculty's expertise and dedication have been invaluable. I've particularly enjoyed the research opportunities, which provided practical skills and experience. Campus life is vibrant, with numerous student organizations and activities, including spirited football games and cultural events. The state-of-the-art facilities, like libraries and recreational centers, have enhanced my experience. One improvement I'd suggest is reducing class sizes in introductory courses for more personalized attention. Overall, my time at OSU has been fantastic, offering a blend of rigorous academics, a lively campus atmosphere, and opportunities for growth. It's been a journey filled with education, experiences, and lasting friendships. Go Buckeyes!... Read 5,806 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $19,474

• SAT range 1250-1440

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  7,569 reviews

Junior: As a junior and a current student at FSU, I have to say that my experience has been nothing short of amazing. I've had the privilege of spending three incredible years at this institution, and my love for FSU only grows stronger. The campus is not only stunning but also feels like a second home. The professors and staff are truly exceptional, always willing to support and guide us on our academic journey. The opportunities for personal and professional growth are endless, and the diverse range of courses keeps me engaged and excited about learning. But what truly sets FSU apart is the sense of community. The friendships I've formed and the memories I've created here are invaluable. As a junior, I can confidently say that FSU has exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to see what my senior year holds. If you're considering FSU, I can't recommend it enough – it's a place where you'll thrive and create lifelong memories. Go Noles!... Read 7,569 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $12,684

• SAT range 1180-1340

• Claremont, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.23 out of 5  421 reviews

Alum: Pomona College was a very transformative space for me. The small class sizes and strong sense of community among professors and students really helped me thrive. I was surrounded by intellectually curious peers and inspiring professors during my four years. Beyond academics, there were an abundance of research and work opportunities to help explore my passions and potential career interests that I would not have been able to do in a larger school. I was able to pursue athletics at the collegiate level, work as a teaching research assistant, and organize community events— the opportunities were endless if you really searched for them. I also cannot forget how beautiful the campus was and how amazing the dining hall food was! Beyond the Pomona College community, you also have access to a consortium of four more top undergraduate colleges (Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer) where you can take classes at and connect with a whole new network of students and professors.... Read 421 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $17,000

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,614 reviews

Senior: Hello All, I am a student at the University of Washington's Seattle's Foster School of Business. The school of business has its own separate departments from UW, and I'm sure other major options are the same. For example, Foster has its own career center and there is a University-wide career center. All the resources can be overwhelming for students, so I recommend clarifying which department a resource came from. I think the required classes are great and the major options are fantastic. The libraries are phenomenal and useful. There are always activities and events. However, because of its location and events, the UW does attract a lot of tourists, I would recommend avoiding the Quad and Red Square during Cherry Blossom Season. Although Suzzalo is the most well-known library, it also attracts the most tourists, and it's hard to study while people are having a photo shoot, the Allen library is a better place to have an uninterrupted study session. Thanks for reading!... Read 4,614 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $8,701

• SAT range 1200-1470

• University Park, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  7,502 reviews

Alum: I love nearly everything about this school! The sports are great, there are major entertainment events, art and religion are honored, there are over 1,000 student organizations, and I have had incredible professors consistently throughout my years (although peers in other majors did not always say this). In the area, there is hiking, skiing, several summer festivals, several thrift stores, and a high proportion of restaurants with different ethnic cuisines. Recommendation for change are prioritizing updates to dorm buildings and increasing accessibility to groceries downtown, as this is where a large number of students live (without their cars). It has many international students, but is otherwise limited in diversity. It mostly reflects the state/region, so I do not see this as something that necessarily needs to change.... Read 7,502 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $26,151

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Berkeley, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  4,426 reviews

Senior: It's a big school so it was a little difficult to transition into my freshman year, but once I looked at the different resources and organizations the university offered, I loved it! It's really important to get involved while you're there. I was involved in different pre-law organizations, ASUC, Cal Cheerleading, and others and it was a great experience. It's a little difficult getting classes especially in your first or second year, but once you declare your major it's a lot easier. My major advisor Lauri is the best. She's super helpful and has made my time at Berkeley a lot easier. I would like to see an easier way for students to enroll to classes they need easier. I would also like for the university to recognize cheer as a sport so cheerleaders can have access to academic accommodations, as they are at all the sports events and have hours of practice per week.... Read 4,426 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $17,652

• SAT range 1310-1530

• Lubbock, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  5,337 reviews

Junior: What I love most about going to Texas Tech are the people I've met there. I've become close friends with cancer survivors, people from halfway around the world, and people who've led protests! Almost everyone there is kind and willing to give you the time of day to just talk if you want. Classes at Tech are also excellent. The professors and instructors do an excellent job of covering material and are usually very patient with the student body. Speaking of which, Texas Tech has helped me to discover my passion for mathematics. Prior to coming here, I used to struggle and fear the topic, but after taking Calculus I've learned that It can beautiful and sometimes wonderfully simple. There's plenty to do outside of academics at Tech. A myriad of clubs and organizations are always looking for new members to join. Several facilities such as the Rec Center, the Library, and Urbanovsky park allow anyone to get out and explore campus.... Read 5,337 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $17,057

• SAT range 1110-1280

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  3,543 reviews

Alum: Syracuse University is medium sized American university located in upstate New York with much to offer. Best known for its sports teams, such as basketball, football and lacrosse, the best part about the school was it's diversity in activities, fields of study and student body. Though the winters are cold, the School of Architecture is ranked top 5 in the country, and the hard work from students and faculty shows. With it's deeply historical roots founded in the fundamentals of architecture, the program prepares students to think critically, develop important skills, solve creatively and curates a network of alumni to set students up for career success. The five-year program offers a variety of exciting classes and allows for students to explore outside of the school of architecture - namely taking business courses at Whitman, learning about colors, spaces and psychology or dip their toes clothing design at the fashion school. Overall, the (orange) juice is worth the squeeze!... Read 3,543 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $43,545

• SAT range 1220-1400