2024 Best Colleges for Journalism in California

We rigorously analyzed earnings after graduation, student loan debt, and a host of other variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Journalism programs in California. We looked at 24 programs to put our Journalism rankings together to help you find the absolute best schools for Journalism in California. ... Read More

If you’re still wondering whether Journalism is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Journalism: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Journalism in California. Earnings are by no means the most important mark of success for a Journalism undergraduate program, but it is a variable that is widely used across universities and colleges in California. In addition to salary, we also provide average student loans metric and other admissions data points.

In addition, if you scroll all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Journalism degree in California.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Journalism Majors in California

What is the best university for majoring in Journalism in California?

University of Southern California (USC) is the best university for majoring in Journalism based on earnings data. On average, graduates from University of Southern California (USC) earned an average of $46,087 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Journalism in California?

California State University-Fresno is the cheapest university for majoring in Journalism based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $6,311 to attend California State University-Fresno.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Journalism in California?

University of Southern California (USC) is the most expensive university for majoring in Journalism based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $50,277 to attend University of Southern California (USC).

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#1 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $46,087
Average Debt $16,817
Program Size 157
University of Southern California (USC)
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
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University of Southern California (USC), located in Los Angeles, CA has 157 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $46,087.
Acceptance Rate 18%
Undergraduates 14,672 students
Tuition $50,277
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#2 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $41,937
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 19
Point Loma Nazarene University
4 Year
San Diego, CA
Point Loma Nazarene University, located in San Diego, CA has 19 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $41,937.
Acceptance Rate 71%
Undergraduates 1,033 students
Tuition $32,400
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#3 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $41,007
Average Debt $19,932
Program Size 138
San Francisco State University
4 Year
San Francisco, CA
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San Francisco State University, located in San Francisco, CA has 138 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $41,007.
Acceptance Rate 68%
Undergraduates 7,146 students
Tuition $6,476
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#4 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $40,896
Average Debt N/A
Program Size 69
San Jose State University
4 Year
San Jose, CA
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San Jose State University, located in San Jose, CA has 69 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $40,896.
Acceptance Rate 55%
Undergraduates 9,128 students
Tuition $7,378
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#5 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $39,369
Average Debt $17,096
Program Size 159
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
4 Year
San Luis Obispo, CA
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, located in San Luis Obispo, CA has 159 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $39,369.
Acceptance Rate 31%
Undergraduates 5,066 students
Tuition $9,001
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#6 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $39,153
Average Debt $19,220
Program Size 66
Chapman University (CU)
4 Year
Orange, CA
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Chapman University (CU), located in Orange, CA has 66 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $39,153.
Acceptance Rate 48%
Undergraduates 2,243 students
Tuition $47,260
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#7 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $38,871
Average Debt $20,451
Program Size 32
Pepperdine University (PU)
4 Year
Malibu, CA
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Pepperdine University (PU), located in Malibu, CA has 32 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $38,871.
Acceptance Rate 38%
Undergraduates 2,664 students
Tuition $48,342
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#8 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $37,568
Average Debt $19,365
Program Size 139
California State University-Chico
4 Year
Chico, CA
California State University-Chico, located in Chico, CA has 139 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $37,568.
Acceptance Rate 63%
Undergraduates 4,093 students
Tuition $7,022
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#9 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $35,060
Average Debt $17,285
Program Size 310
California State University-Long Beach (CSULB)
4 Year
Long Beach, CA
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California State University-Long Beach (CSULB), located in Long Beach, CA has 310 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $35,060.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 10,260 students
Tuition $6,452
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#10 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $34,847
Average Debt $23,000
Program Size 68
California State University-Sacramento
4 Year
Sacramento, CA
California State University-Sacramento, located in Sacramento, CA has 68 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $34,847.
Acceptance Rate 67%
Undergraduates 7,636 students
Tuition $6,872
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#11 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $32,658
Average Debt $34,622
Program Size 127
Ashford University
4 Year
San Diego, CA
Ashford University, located in San Diego, CA has 127 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $32,658.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 11,023 students
Tuition $10,720
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#12 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $32,391
Average Debt $27,000
Program Size 59
Biola University
4 Year
La Mirada, CA
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Biola University, located in La Mirada, CA has 59 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $32,391.
Acceptance Rate 70%
Undergraduates 1,390 students
Tuition $34,498
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#13 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $31,676
Average Debt $17,267
Program Size 343
California State University-Northridge
4 Year
Northridge, CA
California State University-Northridge, located in Northridge, CA has 343 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $31,676.
Acceptance Rate 46%
Undergraduates 10,247 students
Tuition $6,569
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#14 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $31,305
Average Debt $20,498
Program Size 185
San Diego State University (SDSU)
4 Year
San Diego, CA
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San Diego State University (SDSU), located in San Diego, CA has 185 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $31,305.
Acceptance Rate 34%
Undergraduates 8,923 students
Tuition $6,976
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#15 Best College for Journalism
Average Salary $30,047
Average Debt $17,889
Program Size 73
University of California-Irvine
4 Year
Irvine, CA
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University of California-Irvine, located in Irvine, CA has 73 students majoring in Journalism. On average, graduates earn $30,047.
Acceptance Rate N/A
Undergraduates 8,695 students
Tuition N/A
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