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Best Schools for Journalism in North Carolina
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall journalism education in North Carolina.
Top Schools in Journalism
Elon University tops our 2026 ranking of the best journalism schools. Located in the suburb of Elon, Elon University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Elon University graduates 84% of students within six years. About 42 journalism degrees were awarded at Elon University in the most recent year. Journalism graduates of Elon University earn a median of $34,105 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,875.
Read more about the journalism program at Elon University
Students looking for a strong journalism program will find one at High Point University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of High Point, High Point University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. High Point University graduates 72% of students within six years. There were roughly 15 journalism students who graduated with this degree at High Point University in the most recent data year. Journalism graduates of High Point University earn a median of $113,352 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,785.
See the full journalism program report for High Point University
Appalachian State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in journalism, ranking #3. Appalachian State University is a very large public school located in the town of Boone. Appalachian State University graduates 74% of students within six years. About 28 journalism degrees were awarded at Appalachian State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the journalism program make about $27,116 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete this degree.
Read more about the journalism program at Appalachian State University
Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 10 schools evaluated.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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