ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Journalism Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

32 Colleges in the United States
1,699 Journalism Degrees Awarded
$39,903 Avg Early-Career Salary

Journalism programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 79 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for journalism students pursuing a degree.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/journalism/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 1
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 09.04), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Journalism (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Journalism (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 1
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 1 offers with relevance >= 1.0

Best Schools for Journalism in the Middle Atlantic Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall journalism education in the Middle Atlantic Region.

Top Schools in Journalism

1

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in journalism. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. About 86% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 251 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Read more about the journalism program at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

2
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best journalism schools. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 16 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their journalism degree from Georgetown University earn around $59,912 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete this degree. Read more about the journalism program at Georgetown University

3
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

New York University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best journalism schools. Located in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 30 journalism students who graduated with this degree at New York University in the most recent data year. Journalism graduates of New York University earn a median of $64,516 early in their careers. New York University graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. More information about a degree in journalism from New York University

4

Students looking for a strong journalism program will find one at University Of Maryland College Park, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 133 journalism degrees were awarded at University Of Maryland College Park in the most recent year. Graduates of the journalism program make about $46,893 in their early career. University Of Maryland College Park graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. See the full journalism program report for University Of Maryland College Park

5

George Washington University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in journalism, ranking #5. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. George Washington University awarded about 46 journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from George Washington University generally make around $52,015. George Washington University graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in journalism from George Washington University

6

Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best journalism schools. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. There were roughly 239 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Columbia University In The City Of New York in the most recent data year. Journalism graduates of Columbia University In The City Of New York earn a median of $54,170 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,258. Read more about the journalism program at Columbia University In The City Of New York

7

The College Of New Jersey placed #7 among the best journalism schools. Set in the suburb of Ewing, The College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 15 journalism students who graduated with this degree at The College Of New Jersey in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from The College Of New Jersey generally make around $42,217. The College Of New Jersey graduates carry a median of $24,429 in student loans. Get the full journalism details for The College Of New Jersey

8
American University crest
American University
Washington, DC

American University earned the #8 position for journalism this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. About 76% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 76 journalism students who graduated with this degree at American University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their journalism degree from American University earn around $47,180 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. More information about a degree in journalism from American University

9

Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best journalism schools. Located in the city of New Brunswick, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public university. Rutgers University New Brunswick graduates 84% of students within six years. Rutgers University New Brunswick awarded about 103 journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Journalism graduates of Rutgers University New Brunswick earn a median of $32,523 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. Get the full journalism details for Rutgers University New Brunswick

10

Fordham University came in at #10 for journalism this year. Fordham University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bronx. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. Fordham University awarded about 33 journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their journalism degree from Fordham University earn around $42,769 in the first couple years of their career. Fordham University graduates carry a median of $26,324 in student loans. Read more about the journalism program at Fordham University

11
Lehigh University crest
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University came in at #11 for journalism this year. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Bethlehem. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 23 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Lehigh University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their journalism degree from Lehigh University earn around $45,256 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500. More information about a degree in journalism from Lehigh University

12
Hofstra University crest
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY

Hofstra University landed the #12 spot for journalism this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Hempstead. Hofstra University graduates 68% of students within six years. About 44 journalism degrees were awarded at Hofstra University in the most recent year. Students who receive their journalism degree from Hofstra University earn around $37,241 in the first couple years of their career. Hofstra University graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. See the full journalism program report for Hofstra University

13
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best journalism schools. Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 84% of students finish within six years. About 188 journalism degrees were awarded at Syracuse University in the most recent year. Journalism graduates of Syracuse University earn a median of $41,307 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. See the full journalism program report for Syracuse University

14
Seton Hall University crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ

Seton Hall University came in at #14 for journalism this year. Set in the suburb of South Orange, Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Seton Hall University graduates 70% of students within six years. Seton Hall University awarded about 15 journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Journalism graduates of Seton Hall University earn a median of $63,871 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,422. Get the full journalism details for Seton Hall University

15
Ithaca College crest
Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY

Ithaca College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best journalism schools. Located in the suburb of Ithaca, Ithaca College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Ithaca College graduates 76% of students within six years. There were roughly 27 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Ithaca College in the most recent data year. Journalism graduates of Ithaca College earn a median of $34,453 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. More information about a degree in journalism from Ithaca College

16

Cuny Bernard M Baruch College placed #16 among the best journalism schools. Cuny Bernard M Baruch College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. About 72% of students finish within six years. About 38 journalism degrees were awarded at Cuny Bernard M Baruch College in the most recent year. Graduates of the journalism program make about $22,839 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,717 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in journalism from Cuny Bernard M Baruch College

17

State University Of New York At New Paltz landed the #17 spot for journalism this year. Set in the town of New Paltz, State University Of New York At New Paltz is a moderately-sized public institution. State University Of New York At New Paltz graduates 72% of students within six years. About 11 journalism degrees were awarded at State University Of New York At New Paltz in the most recent year. Graduates of the journalism program make about $29,628 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,500. Get the full journalism details for State University Of New York At New Paltz

18
Stony Brook University crest
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Stony Brook University landed the #18 spot for journalism this year. Located in the suburb of Stony Brook, Stony Brook University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. About 44 journalism degrees were awarded at Stony Brook University in the most recent year. Graduates of the journalism program make about $60,047 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. See the full journalism program report for Stony Brook University

19

Cuny Brooklyn College earned the #19 position for journalism this year. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public university. About 54% of students finish within six years. Cuny Brooklyn College awarded about 20 journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, journalism degree recipients from Cuny Brooklyn College generally make around $23,120. Students borrow a median of $10,290 to complete this degree. See the full journalism program report for Cuny Brooklyn College

20
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

Temple University placed #20 among the best journalism schools. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. There were roughly 73 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Temple University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their journalism degree from Temple University earn around $30,959 in the first couple years of their career. Temple University graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in journalism from Temple University

21
Ocean County College crest
Ocean County College
Toms River, NJ

Ocean County College placed #21 among the best journalism schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Toms River. There were roughly 21 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Ocean County College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the journalism program make about $41,306 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $13,792 to complete this degree. See the full journalism program report for Ocean County College

22

University Of Scranton placed #22 among the best journalism schools. Set in the city of Scranton, University Of Scranton is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Scranton awarded about 10 journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their journalism degree from University Of Scranton earn around $56,861 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Scranton graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the journalism program at University Of Scranton

23
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ

Rowan University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best journalism schools. Set in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan University is a very large public institution. Roughly 67% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 18 journalism students who graduated with this degree at Rowan University in the most recent data year. Journalism graduates of Rowan University earn a median of $34,038 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $24,238 to complete this degree. Get the full journalism details for Rowan University

24
Suny At Albany crest
Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

Suny At Albany earned the #24 position for journalism this year. Set in the city of Albany, Suny At Albany is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. About 22 journalism degrees were awarded at Suny At Albany in the most recent year. Journalism graduates of Suny At Albany earn a median of $28,553 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the journalism program at Suny At Albany

25
Canisius College crest
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY

Canisius College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best journalism schools. Located in the city of Buffalo, Canisius College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 66% of students finish within six years. About 10 journalism degrees were awarded at Canisius College in the most recent year. Students who receive their journalism degree from Canisius College earn around $34,766 in the first couple years of their career. Canisius College graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. See the full journalism program report for Canisius College

Rest of the Top 35 Journalism Schools

These schools also placed among the best for journalism this year:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Wilmington University crest
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE
34
Cuny York College crest
Cuny York College
Jamaica, NY
35

ADBLOCK #173
View All Journalism Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 79 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options