Journalism Courses in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

The United States offers a wide array of Journalism Courses in USA that blend academic training with hands-on media experience. Over 1,800 institutions provide communications and journalism programs. 

Some of the top-ranked universities, such as the University of Southern California, ranked #1 for Journalism in the 2025 Best Universities and Colleges in the USA by Niche. Stanford University and Harvard University consistently appear in the top 10 of national journalism rankings, recognized for their academic excellence and industry influence. 

Studying in the USA for journalism offers unique access to modern media labs,, and competitive internships in top media cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington. Admission to the top universities in journalism is highly competitive, and acceptance rates at Stanford and Harvard remain below 5%.

This blog will deliver a detailed overview of Journalism Courses in USA, covering program structures, admission requirements, top universities, and career prospects to help you make an informed decision.

Journalism Courses in USA: Overview

There are currently 119 ACEJMC-accredited journalism programs in the USA, ensuring excellent academic and professional standards for students pursuing journalism at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Top universities like Northwestern University graduate over 830 communication and journalism students annually, with graduates earning on average $24,571 (INR 20.5L) more than peers from other institutions. 

The main types of journalism degrees in the USA are Associate of Arts in Journalism, Bachelor's in Journalism, Master’s in Journalism, and Doctorate PhD in Journalism.

Here’s a quick overview of the journalism courses in USA: 

Before moving forward, here are the reasons why pursuing Journalism courses in USA is the best choice.

Why Study Journalism Courses in the USA in 2025?

The USA remains a top destination for journalism education in 2025, with over 400 accredited journalism programs enrolling more than 50,000 students annually. Top-ranked universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and USC provide access to advanced media labs and industry internships, with 119 ACEJMC-accredited programs.

Median annual salaries for news analysts, reporters, and journalists reach $60,280 (INR 50 L), and more than 4,500 journalism job openings are projected each year.

Some more reasons to study journalism courses in USA in 2025 are: 

• High Earning Potential: The median annual wage for news analysts, reporters, and journalists in the US was $60,280 (INR 50 L), with broader media and communication roles averaging $70,300 (INR 58 L).
• Extensive Job Openings: Despite a projected 3% decline in journalism employment from 2023 to 2033, about 4,500 openings for news analysts, reporters, and journalists are expected each year, mainly due to workforce turnover and retirements.
• Concentration in Major Media Hubs: The largest journalist job markets are in New York (4,240 employed), California (3,570), and Florida (2,060), providing students with access to leading newsrooms and internship opportunities.
• Academic Excellence: Over 119 ACEJMC-accredited journalism programs and top-ranked universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and USC ensure rigorous training and global recognition of US journalism degrees.
• Diverse Career Pathways: Graduates are not limited to traditional reporting roles; opportunities span digital content, data journalism, public relations, and broadcast media, with many programs reporting over 90% graduate employment within six months of completion.
• A Leading Curriculum: US journalism programs emphasize multimedia storytelling, investigative techniques, and digital innovation, preparing students for the demands of a rapidly changing media landscape.

As you consider your career options after graduation, let’s discuss the top 10 universities for journalism courses in USA.

Top Universities Offering Journalism Courses in USA

The USA is home to the world’s highest-ranked universities for journalism and media studies, with six institutions in the top 10 universities in the world for Communication & Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. 

Harvard University, Stanford University, and UC Berkeley consistently rank among the top for their research output and alumni success in media careers.

Below are some of the top-ranked universities for journalism in the USA: 

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Apart from these top universities, many other US universities also deliver outstanding education in journalism courses. 

Popular Universities for Intensive Journalism Programs

Several respected U.S. universities beyond the top 10, such as Ohio Northern University, University of Scranton, and Johnson & Wales University, offer intensive journalism programs with strong specializations, state-of-the-art media labs, and high placement rates. 

These schools often feature rolling or late application deadlines, making them accessible for international students. 

The table below outlines some other popular options for journalism courses in USA: 

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and rounded. Deadlines are for upcoming intakes and sourced from official university pages as of June 2025.

Choosing the right university for a journalism course in USA is just the first step; meeting the specific eligibility criteria is crucial to ensure your application stands out.

Eligibility Criteria for Journalism Courses in USA

To study journalism in USA, you must meet detailed academic, language, and documentation requirements. 

For undergraduate programs, a minimum of 50% aggregate in 10+2, official transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and IELTS band score 6–7 or TOEFL score 79–100 are standard. 

For master's programs, you'll need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (83–86%), GRE scores for select universities (Quant 153, Verbal 150, Analytical 3.5), and advanced English language proficiency.

Here's a table with detailed eligibility requirements for applying to journalism courses in USA:

Note: Scores must be valid two years before the course start date. Check individual university pages for program-specific language score requirements.

Next, let's understand the application timeline and process for applying for the specific journalism course.

Application Process for Journalism Courses in USA

Most journalism courses in USA offer Fall (August/September) and Spring (January) intakes, with application deadlines typically between December and March for Fall 2025. 

Stanford's deadline is December 2, 2025, UC Berkeley's is December 1, 2025, USC Annenberg's is January 10, 2025, and CUNY Newmark J-School’s priority deadline is February 3, 2025 (closed) and the final deadline is March 3, 2025 (closed). 

Admissions for Summer 2025 are also available at select schools, such as USC Annenberg, which offers a Summer 2025 MS Journalism program with an application deadline of January 10, 2025.

Here's a step-by-step application process and requirements to study in the USA: 

Step 1: Research and Shortlist Programs

Identify journalism programs that match your interests by reviewing curriculum, faculty, and internship opportunities on official university websites.

Step 2: Check Application Deadlines and Requirements

Note program-specific deadlines, e.g., Stanford (Dec 2, 2025), UC Berkeley (Dec 1, 2025), USC Annenberg (Jan 10, 2025), CUNY (Mar 3, 2025), and gather details on required documents and entrance exams.

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Compile official transcripts, English proficiency scores, standardized test results (if required), a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, a resume, and writing samples.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Submit your application and upload all supporting documents via the university’s online portal by the specified deadline.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the non-refundable fee (e.g., $75/INR 6K at City University of New York (CUNY), waived if submitted by the final deadline).

Step 6: Track Application Status and Interview

Monitor your application portal for updates, as several USC Annenberg graduate journalism programs, including the Master’s in Journalism, MA Specialized Journalism, and MA Specialized Journalism, require all applicants to complete a recorded video interview via Kira Talent as part of the selection process.

Step 7: Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid

Complete scholarship or need-based aid forms by the program’s priority deadlines for maximum consideration.

Step 8: Await Admission Decision

Decisions are typically released between February and April; successful applicants will receive instructions for F-1 student visa processing and enrollment.

Next, let’s explore the different and highly specialized journalism courses available to international students in the USA.

Journalism Courses in USA: Course Details & Specialization

International students can choose from over 30 journalism specializations at the undergraduate level in the USA, including options like data journalism, investigative reporting, and international correspondence.

Programs like the Missouri University Bachelor of Journalism offer 30+ interest areas, while Columbia, NYU, and USC provide specialized master’s tracks in business, digital, science, and political journalism.

The table below lists specific specializations for journalism courses in USA: 

Planning your journalism studies in the USA means budgeting for more than just tuition. Let’s understand the full financial picture of pursuing journalism in USA. 

Cost of Pursuing Journalism Courses in USA

The total cost of pursuing journalism in the USA varies by university and city. Still, top programs like Columbia Journalism School and USC Annenberg estimate annual expenses between $80,000 and $110,000 (INR 66 L–91 L) for graduate students, including tuition, fees, accommodation, and living expenses. 

Undergraduate tuition averages $31,651 (INR 26 L) per year, with the cost of living in New York and Los Angeles ranging from $20,000–$35,000 (INR 16 L –29 L) annually.

The table below lists the costs of living in the USA while doing journalism courses: 

Note: 

• Cost estimates are annual and may vary by city and university.
• INR conversion is based on the latest exchange rate and may fluctuate; please check current rates for precise budgeting.

Securing financial aid can make your journalism course in USA far more accessible. Let’s explore scholarship opportunities that will help you make your education more affordable.

Scholarships for pursuing Journalism Courses in USA

The USA offers more than 250 awards specifically for journalism students and over 1.7 million scholarships awarded annually across all fields. Major journalism scholarships range from $2,500 to $10,000 (INR 2.15-8.6L) per year, and some, like the Sacramento Press Club Journalism Scholarship, offer up to $8,000 (INR 6.9L).

Journalism students can access university-based and external awards, including those from the National Press Club and Overseas Press Club Foundation.

To help you understand what universities provide directly, look at the internal scholarships available for journalism students.

Internal Scholarships

Top US universities like Columbia Journalism School and USC Annenberg offer internal scholarships covering up to full tuition, with awards such as the Dean’s Scholarship (Columbia) and Annenberg Graduate Fellowships (USC) valued at $20,000–$83,000 (INR 17.2-71.4L) per year.

Below is the list of scholarships to study in the USA along with their requirements: 

Next, explore external scholarships awarded to journalism courses in USA.

External Scholarships

National press organizations, diversity advocacy groups, and professional media associations fund the external scholarships for journalism in the USA. 

Some, such as the World Press Institute Fellowship, are fully funded and include travel and stipends, while the National Association of Black Journalists and Asian American Journalists Association scholarships offer $2,500–$5,000 (INR 2.15- 4.3L) annually.

Below is the list of fully-funded scholarships in the USA for international students: 

Journalism graduates in the USA continue to find several career opportunities. Let's have a look at some of the job options after completing your journalism courses in USA. 

Job Opportunities After Journalism Courses in USA

The U.S. employs over 49,800 news analysts, reporters, and journalists, with a median annual salary of $60,280 (INR 50 L). Specialized fields such as business journalism command even higher pay; business journalists earn at least 30% more than the average, with recent surveys reporting average salaries above $78,000 (INR 65 L). 

The sector is highly competitive, but graduates with expertise in digital content, multimedia, and niche reporting areas have better prospects, especially in top markets like New York and California.

Here's a detailed look at some of the highest-paying jobs in the USA after completing a journalism course: 

Source: Glassdoor

Note: Salaries and roles may vary based on experience, location, and employer.

Top US journalism graduates are recruited by industry giants and leading newsrooms, offering roles with some of the highest starting salaries in media.

Top Recruiters for Journalism Degree Holders in the USA

Major news organizations, digital media companies, and broadcast networks regularly hire journalism graduates for specialized and high-impact roles. 

Employers like CNN, The New York Times, Reuters, and BuzzFeed offer opportunities ranging from investigative reporting to multimedia production, with competitive salaries reflecting the demand for skilled communicators.

Below are the top recruiters for journalism degree holders in USA: 

Source: Indeed, Zippia, Glassdoor

Note: INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Whether you’re aiming for a top US journalism program or seeking scholarships, expert guidance can make all the difference in your study abroad journey.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Journalism Courses in the USA?

upGrad offers complete support for aspiring journalism students by offering personalized university shortlisting, strategic application planning, and exclusive data-backed insights on top journalism courses in USA.

You’ll benefit from expert guidance on crafting standout portfolios, securing scholarships, and navigating visa and pre-departure steps, plus access to upGrad’s specialized prep resources, free journalism modules, and a strong alumni network to strengthen your admission and career outcomes.

Take admission in your choice of university for journalism courses in USA. Schedule a free one-on-one counseling session with upGrad experts and maximize your chances of admission to top US universities.