University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs for marketing.
Whether it’s a vague inclination that you want to be on the ground floor of introducing new, exciting options to the public or if you’ve just watched one too many episodes of Mad Men and you’re looking to see what it’s all about, there are plenty of options when it comes to earning a marketing degree. While an associate may not earn you more than an internship or an entry-level position, you should be able to quickly move up once you go back to school to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in marketing. Whatever your long-term goals, here you’ll find a sampling of the best schools to get you the degree you need to be successful.
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How to Choose the Right Marketing School for You
Choosing the right marketing school is a crucial decision that can shape your career and future opportunities. To ensure you select a program that aligns with your goals and aspirations, consider the following factors:
Accreditation and Reputation
Start by checking if the school is accredited by a recognized agency. Accreditation ensures that the program meets high academic standards and is recognized by employers. Additionally, research the school’s reputation in the marketing field, particularly through alumni success and industry connections.
Curriculum and Specializations
Marketing is a broad field, so it's important to find a program that offers a curriculum aligned with your interests. Whether you're interested in digital marketing, brand management, data analytics, or international marketing, look for schools that offer specialized courses or concentrations in your desired area. A well-rounded curriculum that combines theory with hands-on experience can provide you with the skills necessary to excel in the marketing industry.
Faculty Expertise
The quality of the faculty is essential in any marketing program. Look for programs where professors have industry experience, advanced degrees, and a track record of research or practical expertise. Faculty members who are actively involved in the marketing world can offer valuable insights and connections.
Internship and Networking Opportunities
Internships are a key part of gaining real-world experience in marketing. Research whether the school has strong partnerships with businesses, advertising agencies, or tech firms that can provide internship and job opportunities. Additionally, a school with an active alumni network can help you build important industry connections that will be invaluable throughout your career.
Location and Format
Consider whether you want to attend a school that is in a major marketing hub, like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, where you’ll have access to top companies and networking events. Additionally, some schools offer flexible learning formats, such as online, hybrid, or evening programs, that can cater to your schedule and lifestyle.
Cost and Financial Aid
Evaluate the tuition costs and available financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. While choosing a school based on cost is important, also weigh the value you’ll receive in terms of education quality, networking opportunities, and potential salary after graduation.
Alumni Success and Career Services
Lastly, research the success rate of the program’s graduates. Look for statistics on employment after graduation and the types of positions alumni have secured. A strong career services department that helps students with job placement, resume building, and interview prep can provide an additional advantage in launching your career.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the marketing school that best fits your personal and professional goals, setting you up for success in the dynamic and evolving marketing field.
Top 25 Best Campus Marketing Colleges
Carnegie Mellon University
Score: 89.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,829
- Out-of-State:$63,829
- Net Price: $33,499
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 16,002
- Undergrad Students: 7,059
- Graduate Students: 8,943
- Grads Salary: $108,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
Northwestern University
Score: 87.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,997
- Out-of-State:$65,997
- Net Price: $22,095
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 23,161
- Undergrad Students: 8,993
- Graduate Students: 14,168
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
University of Pennsylvania
Score: 87.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,104
- Out-of-State:$66,104
- Net Price: $26,123
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 28,201
- Undergrad Students: 11,250
- Graduate Students: 16,951
- Grads Salary: $94,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Georgia Institute of Technology
Score: 86.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,764
- Out-of-State:$32,876
- Net Price: $17,402
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Total Enrollment: 45,296
- Undergrad Students: 18,415
- Graduate Students: 26,881
- Grads Salary: $95,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Washington University in St. Louis
Score: 83.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,982
- Out-of-State:$62,982
- Net Price: $23,432
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Total Enrollment: 17,012
- Undergrad Students: 8,132
- Graduate Students: 8,880
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 7:1
University of Notre Dame
Score: 83.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,693
- Out-of-State:$62,693
- Net Price: $28,474
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 13,105
- Undergrad Students: 8,971
- Graduate Students: 4,134
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Virginia
Score: 83.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,986
- Out-of-State:$58,014
- Net Price: $19,469
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 95%
- Total Enrollment: 26,082
- Undergrad Students: 17,444
- Graduate Students: 8,638
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of California-San Diego
Score: 82.66
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,265
- Out-of-State:$46,042
- Net Price: $16,111
- Acceptance Rate: 24%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 42,006
- Undergrad Students: 33,096
- Graduate Students: 8,910
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
University of Florida
Score: 81.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,381
- Out-of-State:$28,659
- Net Price: $11,740
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 55,211
- Undergrad Students: 34,552
- Graduate Students: 20,659
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Score: 81.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,989
- Out-of-State:$39,330
- Net Price: $10,614
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 96%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 31,705
- Undergrad Students: 20,029
- Graduate Students: 11,676
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Southern California
Score: 81.29
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $68,237
- Out-of-State:$68,237
- Net Price: $36,808
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 48,945
- Undergrad Students: 20,699
- Graduate Students: 28,246
- Grads Salary: $92,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Washington
Score: 80.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,643
- Out-of-State:$41,997
- Net Price: $10,603
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 52,319
- Undergrad Students: 36,213
- Graduate Students: 16,106
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Emory University
Score: 80.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,774
- Out-of-State:$60,774
- Net Price: $26,680
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 14,841
- Undergrad Students: 7,101
- Graduate Students: 7,740
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
New York University
Score: 80.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,438
- Out-of-State:$60,438
- Net Price: $29,499
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 59,144
- Undergrad Students: 29,401
- Graduate Students: 29,743
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Lehigh University
Score: 80.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $62,180
- Out-of-State:$62,180
- Net Price: $30,453
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 7,394
- Undergrad Students: 5,624
- Graduate Students: 1,770
- Grads Salary: $91,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Georgetown University
Score: 80.45
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,081
- Out-of-State:$65,081
- Net Price: $35,566
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 20,984
- Undergrad Students: 7,900
- Graduate Students: 13,084
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
The University of Texas at Austin
Score: 80.02
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,678
- Out-of-State:$42,778
- Net Price: $17,434
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 52,384
- Undergrad Students: 41,309
- Graduate Students: 11,075
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Boston University
Score: 79.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,168
- Out-of-State:$65,168
- Net Price: $27,829
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 36,714
- Undergrad Students: 18,459
- Graduate Students: 18,255
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
University of Maryland
Score: 79.88
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,505
- Out-of-State:$40,306
- Net Price: $16,210
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 40,792
- Undergrad Students: 30,353
- Graduate Students: 10,439
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Purdue University
Score: 79.38
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,992
- Out-of-State:$28,794
- Net Price: $12,576
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 51,528
- Undergrad Students: 38,593
- Graduate Students: 12,935
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Score: 79.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,205
- Out-of-State:$40,603
- Net Price: $13,376
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 48,956
- Undergrad Students: 36,306
- Graduate Students: 12,650
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Boston College
Score: 79.34
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $67,680
- Out-of-State:$67,680
- Net Price: $30,559
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 15,287
- Undergrad Students: 9,982
- Graduate Students: 5,305
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Score: 78.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,004
- Out-of-State:$34,501
- Net Price: $14,544
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 56,916
- Undergrad Students: 35,120
- Graduate Students: 21,796
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Babson College
Score: 78.33
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $56,032
- Out-of-State:$56,032
- Net Price: $28,400
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 93%
- Total Enrollment: 3,989
- Undergrad Students: 2,761
- Graduate Students: 1,228
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Score: 77.28
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,464
- Out-of-State:$15,414
- Net Price: $4,991
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 19,854
- Undergrad Students: 15,896
- Graduate Students: 3,958
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
