The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism was established in 1971 with a transformative gift from Ambassador Walter H. Annenberg. Originally founded as the School of Journalism in 1958, it expanded to encompass communication studies and became one of the premier institutions for media education. The school has continually evolved to address the changing landscape of media, technology, and global communication, maintaining its position at the forefront of innovation in journalism and strategic communication education.
USC Annenberg is internationally recognized for its cutting-edge curriculum that blends traditional storytelling with digital innovation, data journalism, and emerging media technologies. The school houses world-class research centers including the Norman Lear Center, the Center for Public Relations, and the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. Its faculty includes Pulitzer Prize winners, Emmy Award recipients, and leading scholars who bring both academic rigor and professional expertise to the classroom. The school's location in Los Angeles provides unparalleled access to entertainment, media, and technology industries.
The Annenberg culture emphasizes hands-on learning, professional development, and social impact journalism. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including multimedia newsrooms, broadcast studios, and innovation labs. The school maintains strong connections with major media organizations, tech companies, and PR firms, facilitating internships and career placement. The community is diverse, collaborative, and driven by a commitment to ethical storytelling and using communication as a force for positive change in society.
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Total students | 2,400 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 12% |
| Graduation rate | 92% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
| In-state tuition | $66,640 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $66,640 |
| Room & board | $18,450 |
| Average financial aid | $42,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
| SAT range | 1440-1550 |
| ACT range | 33-35 |
| Average GPA | 3.85 |
| Regular deadline | January 15 |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.