What do y'all think are the top journalism schools in the US?

As an aspiring journalist, I'm trying to compile a list of colleges to apply to that have strong journalism programs. Can you guys recommend some of the best journalism schools in the US? Your input is much appreciated!

Here are some of the top journalism schools in the U.S. I'll provide a brief overview of each program, but I encourage you to visit their websites and explore each school further to see which one aligns with your career goals and interests.

1. Northwestern University - Medill School of Journalism: Medill is renowned for its excellent curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities. Students can specialize in broadcast, magazine, or digital journalism, and they'll gain practical experience through the Medill News Service, which covers news in Chicago and Washington, D.C.

2. University of Missouri - Missouri School of Journalism: Often referred to as the first journalism school in the world, the Missouri School of Journalism is known for its "Missouri Method," where students gain hands-on experience in professional newsrooms, agencies, and media organizations to bolster their classroom learning.

3. Syracuse University - S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications: Newhouse offers majors in newspaper and online journalism, broadcast and digital journalism, and magazine journalism. The school also boasts a variety of facilities including professional newsrooms, broadcast studios, and editing suites.

4. University of Southern California - Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism: USC Annenberg offers various undergraduate and graduate programs that emphasize digital media innovation, strong reporting expertise, and multimedia storytelling skills. Annenberg Media, a student-run news organization, provides opportunities for hands-on experience in reporting, producing, and editing.

5. Indiana University - The Media School: Indiana University's Media School combines journalism, communication, and film studies into one unified program, allowing students to gain a well-rounded media education. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism or a Bachelor of Science in Sports Media.

6. University of Maryland - Philip Merrill College of Journalism: Offering Bachelor of Arts and Master's degrees in journalism, this college focuses on producing ethical, skilled, and adaptable journalists who are prepared to work in the ever-changing digital media landscape. Students also have access to the award-winning Capital News Service for hands-on experience.

7. Boston University - College of Communication: BU's College of Communication emphasizes a strong foundation in reporting, writing, and multimedia skills. Available programs include a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, and students have opportunities to work on the independent student newspaper, The Daily Free Press, or intern at local news outlets.

8. Columbia University - Graduate School of Journalism: Although Columbia's journalism school is focused on graduate-level studies, the university offers an undergraduate major in creative writing with a journalism concentration. For those looking for graduate programs, the Master of Science and Master of Arts degrees in journalism provide rigorous training and industry connections. And even if you're an undergrad, if you take initiative you may be able to take advantage of some of the graduate-level resources, even though you aren't enrolled in a graduate program.

Of course, there are many other great journalism programs across the country, but these are some top options to consider when creating your college list.

Finally, if you're looking for ways to pursue your passion for journalism while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of journalism-related summer programs for high schoolers: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-journalism-summer-programs/. Participating in one could even give you a boost during the college process, as admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and exploring your interests outside of the classroom!

Good luck!