Top 10 Communication Studies Programs in the US

Communication is fundamental to understanding the world we live in and the people that surround us.

We live in a world that is closely connected by different means of communication. Be it every day casual interaction or business communiqué, communication is all important and its significance can’t be emphasized enough.

Thriving economy has led to the mushrooming of various media houses leading to an increased demand for Communication Studies graduates.

Global conglomerates to non-profit houses, communication graduates are much sought-after for the varied skills they bring to the table. From improving public relations to brand building to journalism, communication students can explore several employment options across industries. Some popular career options available to communication students are: Advertising, education, broadcasting, healthcare communication, marketing communication, etc.

Given its scope, it’s hardly any surprise that Communication Studies is one of the most popular programs in the US. Here is a list of universities that offer a Communication Studies course in the US:  

10. Cornell University

The Department of Communication at Cornell University was established in 1874 and is based out of Ithaca, New York.

Quick stats*:

SAT score range (25-75 percentile): 1995 – 2265

Admission rate: 14.2%

In-state tuition and fees: $47,286

Out-of-state tuition and fees: $47,286

Average grant aid amount: $ $33,064

Besides the above listed universities, there are a few other popular universities such as New York University, Northwestern University, University of Denver, Emerson College, etc. that offer top class programs in Communication Studies to help students develop the necessary skills required to better their employability potential.

9. University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign

The Department of Communication at the University of Illinois, based out of Urbana, was established in 1884 and offers several graduate communications programs.

Quick stats*:

SAT score range (25-75 percentile): 1840-2120

Admission rate: 59.0%

In-state tuition and fees: $15,020

Out-of-state tuition and fees: $29,646

Average grant aid amount: $13,089

8. Michigan State University

College of Communication Arts and Sciences of Michigan State University offers various graduate communication programs.

Quick stats*:

SAT score range (25-75 percentile): 1430- 1850

Admission rate: 66.1%

In-state tuition and fees: $13,200

Out-of-state tuition and fees: $34,965

Average grant aid amount: $9,747

7. University of California – Berkley

Media Studies is offered by the Office of Undergraduate and Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of California at Berkeley.

Quick stats*:

SAT score range (25-75 percentile): 1860-2250

Admission rate: 16.0%

In-state tuition and fees: $12,972

Out-of-state tuition and fees: $35,850

Average grant aid amount: $17,083

6. University of Texas – Austin

The Moody College of Communication at The University of Texas provides various communications programs through its Department of Communication Studies. The college is based out of Austin, Texas.

Quick stats*:

SAT score range (25-75 percentile): 1730-2100

Admission rate: 39.7%

In-state tuition and fees: $9,830

Out-of-state tuition and fees: $34,836

Average grant aid amount: $8,933

5. Stanford University

The Department of Communication at Stanford University engages in research in communication and offers various communications programs and is situated in Stanford, California.

Quick stats*:

SAT score range (25-75 percentile): 2070-2360

Admission rate: 5.1%

In-state tuition and fees: $45,195

Out-of-state tuition and fees: $45,195

Average grant aid amount: $42,359

4. University of California – Los Angeles

Communication Studies at UCLA is a part of its Social Sciences Division housed on the main campus in Los Angeles, California.

Quick stats*:

SAT score range (25-75 percentile): 1790-2190

Admission rate: 18.6%

In-state tuition and fees: $12,705

Out-of-state tuition and fees: $35,583

Average grant aid amount: $19,534

3. University of Pennsylvania

The Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1958 and is based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Quick stats*:

SAT score range (25-75 percentile): 2050-2330

Admission rate: 10.4%

In-state tuition and fees: $47,668

Out-of-state tuition and fees: $47,668

Average grant aid amount: $39,106

2. University of Wisconsin – Madison

The Communication Arts Department of the University of Wisconsin dates back to 1920 and is located at Madison, Wisconsin.

Quick stats*:

SAT score range (25-75 percentile): 1840-2050

Admission rate: 56.9%

In-state tuition and fees: $10,410

1. University of Southern California

The Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California was founded in 1971 and is based out of Los Angeles, California.

Quick stats*:

SAT score range (25-75 percentile): 1920-2220

Admission rate: 19.8%

In-state tuition and fees: $45,481

Out-of-state tuition and fees: $45,481

Average grant aid amount: $30,912

Note 1: The new composite SAT score range is 400-1600 and will be applicable post March 2016. Universities will consider old and new SAT scores in some cases. To convert your old SAT score to new SAT score, check out: SAT score convertor.

Note 2: The universities are listed in a random order. Numbering doesn’t represent ranking.

*Note 3: Data reference: http://colleges.startclass.com/