by our College Data Analytics TeamAdvertising is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 16 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for advertising students pursuing a degree.
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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall advertising education in the Far Western Region.
Leading the list is San Jose State University, our #1 school for advertising. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. San Jose State University awarded about 40 advertising degrees in the most recent data year. Read more about the advertising program at San Jose State University
Washington State University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in advertising, ranking #2. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. Washington State University graduates 60% of students within six years. About 44 advertising degrees were awarded at Washington State University in the most recent year. Advertising graduates of Washington State University earn a median of $45,820 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,500. See the full advertising program report for Washington State University
University Of Oregon came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best advertising schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Eugene. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 254 advertising degrees were awarded at University Of Oregon in the most recent year. Graduates of the advertising program make about $54,461 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the advertising program at University Of Oregon
University Of San Francisco is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in advertising, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of San Francisco, University Of San Francisco is a large private not-for-profit university. About 70% of students finish within six years. University Of San Francisco awarded about 17 advertising degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their advertising degree from University Of San Francisco earn around $37,856 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete this degree. Get the full advertising details for University Of San Francisco
Pepperdine University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in advertising, landing the #5 spot this year. Pepperdine University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Malibu. About 83% of students finish within six years. Pepperdine University awarded about 18 advertising degrees in the most recent data year. Advertising graduates of Pepperdine University earn a median of $45,988 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the advertising program at Pepperdine University
Santa Monica College landed the #6 spot for advertising this year. Set in the city of Santa Monica, Santa Monica College is a very large public institution. Santa Monica College graduates 81% of students within six years. There were roughly 43 advertising students who graduated with this degree at Santa Monica College in the most recent data year. More information about a degree in advertising from Santa Monica College
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 · 16 schools evaluated.
More about our data sources and methodologies.