Communications in Pennsylvania 2026

Best Colleges for Communications in Pennsylvania 2026

From journalism and public relations to digital media and corporate communications, Pennsylvania's programs prepare students for an evolving media landscape. Practical experience through campus media and internships is a hallmark of top programs.

We analyzed 116 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania offering Communications programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Communications Programs in Pennsylvania

Detailed School Profiles

1. Cedar Crest College

Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 84.1%
• In-State Tuition: $46,314 | Out-of-State: $46,314
• Enrollment: 834 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 60% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,100
• Average Financial Aid: $27,426

View full Cedar Crest College profile →

2. University of Pennsylvania

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 5.4%
• In-State Tuition: $68,686 | Out-of-State: $68,686
• Enrollment: 10,650 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
• Graduation Rate: 97% | Median Earnings (6yr): $71,600
• Average Financial Aid: $46,318

View full University of Pennsylvania profile →

3. Carnegie Mellon University

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 11.7%
• In-State Tuition: $66,246 | Out-of-State: $66,246
• Enrollment: 7,304 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Earnings (6yr): $69,800
• Average Financial Aid: $39,213

View full Carnegie Mellon University profile →

4. Haverford College

Location: Haverford, Pennsylvania • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 12.4%
• In-State Tuition: $70,688 | Out-of-State: $70,688
• Enrollment: 1,430 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: 90% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,000
• Average Financial Aid: $46,252

View full Haverford College profile →

5. Central Penn College

Location: Summerdale, Pennsylvania • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 18.5%
• In-State Tuition: $19,854 | Out-of-State: $19,854
• Enrollment: 662 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 51% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,000
• Average Financial Aid: $8,717

View full Central Penn College profile →

6. Lehigh University

Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 25.9%
• In-State Tuition: $64,980 | Out-of-State: $64,980
• Enrollment: 5,898 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 88% | Median Earnings (6yr): $66,200
• Average Financial Aid: $38,909

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7. Villanova University

Location: Villanova, Pennsylvania • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 27%
• In-State Tuition: $67,776 | Out-of-State: $67,776
• Enrollment: 6,938 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Earnings (6yr): $62,600
• Average Financial Aid: $31,098

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8. Saint Joseph's University (SJU)

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 41.2%
• In-State Tuition: $32,933 | Out-of-State: $32,933
• Enrollment: 1,280 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 69% | Median Earnings (6yr): $48,400
• Average Financial Aid: $25,030

View full Saint Joseph's University (SJU) profile →

9. Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D)

Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 44%
• In-State Tuition: $24,250 | Out-of-State: $25,850
• Enrollment: 251 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $22,500
• Average Financial Aid: $7,477

View full Pennsylvania College of Art and Design (PCA&D) profile →

10. Clarks Summit University

Location: South Abington Township, Pennsylvania • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 51%
• In-State Tuition: $23,890 | Out-of-State: $23,890
• Enrollment: 768 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $24,900
• Average Financial Aid: $13,036

View full Clarks Summit University profile →

How to Choose the Right Communications Program in Pennsylvania

Selecting the best Communications program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Pennsylvania residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Communications.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Communications programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Communications in Pennsylvania?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Communications programs in Pennsylvania include Cedar Crest College, University of Pennsylvania, and Carnegie Mellon University.

How much does a Communications degree cost in Pennsylvania?
In-state tuition for Communications programs in Pennsylvania averages around $48,561 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Communications degree from a Pennsylvania school?
Graduates from Pennsylvania's Communications programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.