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

2026 Best Communication & Journalism Schools in the Southwest Region

51 Colleges in the United States
12,274 Communication & Journalism Degrees Awarded
$38,696 Avg Early-Career Salary

Communication & Journalism degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their communication & journalism programs.

College Factual analyzed 166 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best communication & journalism schools.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/communication-journalism-media/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 9
DEBUG: ROOT LEVEL MAJOR detected (no cip4), lowering min_relevance to 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Communications & Media Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Communications & Media Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Communications & Media Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Communications & Media Graduate Certificate Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Communications & Media Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Communications & Media Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Communication" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in Communication" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MA in Communication" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MA in Communication" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Communication - New Media" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in Communication - New Media" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Communication - Public Relations" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in Communication - Public Relations" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MA in Communication - New Media & Marketing" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MA in Communication - New Media & Marketing" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Marketing - New Media & Communications" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Marketing - New Media & Communications" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 9
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 3 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.5
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 3
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 3 offers with relevance >= 1.0

Best Schools for Communication & Journalism in the Southwest Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the communication & journalism degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Communication & Journalism

1

Our analysis ranked Southern Methodist University the best school in the country for a degree in communication & journalism. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. Southern Methodist University graduates 84% of students within six years. About 191 communication & journalism degrees were awarded at Southern Methodist University in the most recent year. Graduates of the communication & journalism program make about $50,876 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,663. More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Southern Methodist University

2

Students looking for a strong communication & journalism program will find one at Texas A And M University College Station, which ranked #2. Set in the city of College Station, Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 716 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Texas A And M University College Station in the most recent data year. Communication & Journalism graduates of Texas A And M University College Station earn a median of $43,183 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $18,040 to complete this degree. See the full communication & journalism program report for Texas A And M University College Station

3

University Of Arizona came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best communication & journalism schools. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. University Of Arizona graduates 68% of students within six years. About 304 communication & journalism degrees were awarded at University Of Arizona in the most recent year. Graduates of the communication & journalism program make about $39,934 in their early career. University Of Arizona graduates carry a median of $20,330 in student loans. More information about a degree in communication & journalism from University Of Arizona

4

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best communication & journalism schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. The University Of Texas At Austin awarded about 1,289 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their communication & journalism degree from The University Of Texas At Austin earn around $48,896 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,176. More information about a degree in communication & journalism from The University Of Texas At Austin

5

Baylor University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in communication & journalism, landing the #5 spot this year. Baylor University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Waco. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Baylor University awarded about 281 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Communication & Journalism graduates of Baylor University earn a median of $39,953 early in their careers. Baylor University graduates carry a median of $24,064 in student loans. See the full communication & journalism program report for Baylor University

6

Texas Christian University came in at #6 for communication & journalism this year. Located in the city of Fort Worth, Texas Christian University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Texas Christian University awarded about 328 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their communication & journalism degree from Texas Christian University earn around $45,495 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,756. See the full communication & journalism program report for Texas Christian University

7

Austin Community College District landed the #7 spot for communication & journalism this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Austin. About 66 communication & journalism degrees were awarded at Austin Community College District in the most recent year. Communication & Journalism graduates of Austin Community College District earn a median of $26,951 early in their careers. Austin Community College District graduates carry a median of $8,627 in student loans. See the full communication & journalism program report for Austin Community College District

8

Arizona State University earned the #8 position for communication & journalism this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 784 communication & journalism degrees were awarded at Arizona State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $45,849. Students borrow a median of $21,038 to complete this degree. See the full communication & journalism program report for Arizona State University

9

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #9 spot for communication & journalism this year. Located in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus awarded about 462 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their communication & journalism degree from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus earn around $40,347 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus graduates carry a median of $22,017 in student loans. See the full communication & journalism program report for University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

10

Texas Tech University placed #10 among the best communication & journalism schools. Located in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech University is a very large public university. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 938 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Texas Tech University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Texas Tech University generally make around $48,280. Students borrow a median of $22,354 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Texas Tech University

11
Trinity University crest
Trinity University
San Antonio, TX

Trinity University came in at #11 for communication & journalism this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of San Antonio. Trinity University graduates 84% of students within six years. Trinity University awarded about 32 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their communication & journalism degree from Trinity University earn around $34,589 in the first couple years of their career. Trinity University graduates carry a median of $25,340 in student loans. Get the full communication & journalism details for Trinity University

12

University Of North Texas placed #12 among the best communication & journalism schools. Located in the city of Denton, University Of North Texas is a very large public university. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of North Texas awarded about 563 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their communication & journalism degree from University Of North Texas earn around $36,616 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,819 to complete this degree. Get the full communication & journalism details for University Of North Texas

13

Southwestern Oklahoma State University earned the #13 position for communication & journalism this year. Located in the town of Weatherford, Southwestern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates 41% of students within six years. There were roughly 13 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the communication & journalism program make about $57,280 in their early career. Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates carry a median of $20,795 in student loans. See the full communication & journalism program report for Southwestern Oklahoma State University

14

University Of North Texas At Dallas earned the #14 position for communication & journalism this year. Set in the city of Dallas, University Of North Texas At Dallas is a mid-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 42%. About 28 communication & journalism degrees were awarded at University Of North Texas At Dallas in the most recent year. See the full communication & journalism program report for University Of North Texas At Dallas

15

Oklahoma State University Main Campus earned the #15 position for communication & journalism this year. Located in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public university. About 68% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 140 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Oklahoma State University Main Campus in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Oklahoma State University Main Campus generally make around $34,420. Typical student debt for the program is $22,260. More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Oklahoma State University Main Campus

16

Arizona State University Skysong placed #16 among the best communication & journalism schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Scottsdale. About 1,057 communication & journalism degrees were awarded at Arizona State University Skysong in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Arizona State University Skysong generally make around $50,438. Students borrow a median of $24,120 to complete this degree. See the full communication & journalism program report for Arizona State University Skysong

17

Texas State University San Marcos ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best communication & journalism schools. Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public school located in the city of San Marcos. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. There were roughly 660 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Texas State University San Marcos in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Texas State University San Marcos generally make around $39,942. Typical student debt for the program is $21,742. Get the full communication & journalism details for Texas State University San Marcos

18

Northern Arizona University came in at #18 for communication & journalism this year. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. Northern Arizona University graduates 61% of students within six years. Northern Arizona University awarded about 265 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the communication & journalism program make about $36,771 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,744 to complete this degree. Get the full communication & journalism details for Northern Arizona University

19

University Of Houston ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best communication & journalism schools. University Of Houston is a very large public school located in the city of Houston. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 344 communication & journalism degrees were awarded at University Of Houston in the most recent year. Communication & Journalism graduates of University Of Houston earn a median of $40,721 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,265. Read more about the communication & journalism program at University Of Houston

20

Rogers State University landed the #20 spot for communication & journalism this year. Rogers State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Claremore. About 31% of students finish within six years. Rogers State University awarded about 20 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their communication & journalism degree from Rogers State University earn around $38,684 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,985. Get the full communication & journalism details for Rogers State University

21

The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #21 for communication & journalism this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Arlington. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 257 communication & journalism degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas At Arlington in the most recent year. Graduates of the communication & journalism program make about $34,324 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $22,267 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in communication & journalism from The University Of Texas At Arlington

22

Abilene Christian University placed #22 among the best communication & journalism schools. Set in the city of Abilene, Abilene Christian University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. Abilene Christian University awarded about 56 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Communication & Journalism graduates of Abilene Christian University earn a median of $56,463 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $23,772. Get the full communication & journalism details for Abilene Christian University

23
Tarleton State University crest
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX

Tarleton State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best communication & journalism schools. Tarleton State University is a large public school located in the town of Stephenville. Tarleton State University graduates 48% of students within six years. There were roughly 75 communication & journalism students who graduated with this degree at Tarleton State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, communication & journalism degree recipients from Tarleton State University generally make around $35,715. Students borrow a median of $22,368 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in communication & journalism from Tarleton State University

24

University Of Tulsa landed the #24 spot for communication & journalism this year. Located in the city of Tulsa, University Of Tulsa is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. University Of Tulsa graduates 72% of students within six years. University Of Tulsa awarded about 12 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their communication & journalism degree from University Of Tulsa earn around $27,612 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Tulsa graduates carry a median of $23,638 in student loans. More information about a degree in communication & journalism from University Of Tulsa

25

Saint Edwards University placed #25 among the best communication & journalism schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Austin. About 63% of students finish within six years. Saint Edwards University awarded about 52 communication & journalism degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the communication & journalism program make about $31,777 in their early career. Saint Edwards University graduates carry a median of $24,640 in student loans. Read more about the communication & journalism program at Saint Edwards University

Rest of the Top 50 Communication & Journalism Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong communication & journalism education:

26
27
28
Austin College crest
Austin College
Sherman, TX
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
Southwestern University crest
Southwestern University
Georgetown, TX
40
41
42
Blinn College crest
Blinn College
Brenham, TX
43
44
45
Lone Star College System crest
Lone Star College System
The Woodlands, TX
46
47
48
49
50

Narrow Communication & Journalism Schools by State

ADBLOCK #173
View All Communication & Journalism Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 166 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