NEW 2026 Best Colleges Rankings!

NEW 2026 Hidden Gem Colleges!

Search for a different college major

Home
>
Browse All Majors
>
Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs
>
Communication and Media Studies
>
Speech Communication and Rhetoric

Speech Communication and Rhetoric

Select Type of Degree:

Select State:


#1 #1 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Miami Coral Gables, FL At the University of Miami, the most popular majors students pursue are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Finance, General, Psychology, and General. In fact, the University of Miami grants 233 degrees every year to graduating Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse students....view more Acceptance Rate 19% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,340–1,480 Median Starting Salary $51,463
#2 #2 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Clemson University Clemson, SC At Clemson University, the most popular majors students pursue are Business Administration and Management, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Finance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 38% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score 1,270–1,420 Median Starting Salary $55,040
#3 #3 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Northwestern University Evanston, IL At Northwestern University, the most popular majors students study are Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 8% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score 1,510–1,560 Median Starting Salary $50,315
#4 #4 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OK At the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, and Organizational Behavior Studies....view more Acceptance Rate 77% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,140–1,340 Median Starting Salary $52,195
#5 #5 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO Every year, the University of Colorado Boulder awards around 1147 degrees to those studying Business Administration and Management, General, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 81% Annual Degrees Awarded 10 SAT Score 1,190–1,400 Median Starting Salary $54,564
#6 #6 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Wayne State University Detroit, MI Every year, Wayne State University grants around 366 degrees to students majoring in Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Public Health, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse....view more Acceptance Rate 78% Annual Degrees Awarded 10 SAT Score 1,070–1,280 Median Starting Salary $50,608
#7 #7 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Regent University Virginia Beach, VA Each year, Regent University grants about 120 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Speech Communication and Rhetoric, Business Administration and Management, General, and Bible/Biblical Studies....view more Acceptance Rate 52% Annual Degrees Awarded 20 SAT Score 1,000–1,250 Median Starting Salary $52,489
#8 #8 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA At the University of Southern California, the most popular majors students study are Management Science, Computer Science, and Human Biology. In fact, the University of Southern California awards 1346 degrees annually to Management Science majors....view more Acceptance Rate 10% Annual Degrees Awarded 11 SAT Score 1,450–1,550 Median Starting Salary $48,482
#9 #9 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI Each year, the University of Wisconsin-Madison awards around 665 degrees to students majoring in Computer and Information Sciences, General, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 45% Annual Degrees Awarded 12 SAT Score 1,350–1,480 Median Starting Salary $57,453
#10 #10 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE Every year, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln grants around 267 degrees to students studying Business Administration and Management, General, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 87% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,110–1,320 Median Starting Salary $56,093
#11 #11 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD Every year, the University of Maryland-College Park grants around 948 degrees to students studying Computer Science, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Information Science/Studies, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Psychology, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 45% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,400–1,540 Median Starting Salary $52,556
#12 #12 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA Annually, the University of Washington-Seattle Campus grants around 515 degrees to those studying Computer Science, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Informatics, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric....view more Acceptance Rate 39% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score 1,310–1,510 Median Starting Salary $48,978
#13 #13 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH Annually, Ohio State University-Main Campus awards around 893 degrees to students majoring in Finance, General, which is the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Experimental Psychology, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 61% Annual Degrees Awarded 10 SAT Score 1,250–1,440 Median Starting Salary $53,016
#14 #14 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS Every year, the University of Southern Mississippi grants about 173 degrees to those studying Business Administration and Management, General, the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 99% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,040–1,340 Median Starting Salary $51,401
#15 #15 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX Each year, The University of Texas at Austin awards around 744 degrees to those majoring in Biology/Biological Sciences, General, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 27% Annual Degrees Awarded 9 SAT Score 1,250–1,490 Median Starting Salary $50,854
#16 #16 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA At Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, the most popular majors students pursue are Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, and Mass Communication/Media Studies....view more Acceptance Rate 73% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,180–1,370 Median Starting Salary $52,969
#17 #17 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Every year, the University of Kansas grants about 274 degrees to those studying Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Journalism, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 93% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,050–1,310 Median Starting Salary $54,706
#18 #18 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI At the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Computer and Information Sciences, General, Economics, General, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 16% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,370–1,530 Median Starting Salary $52,034
#19 #19 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Every year, Michigan State University awards around 580 degrees to those majoring in Biology/Biological Sciences, General, the school’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Psychology, General, Advertising, Finance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 7 SAT Score 1,120–1,330 Median Starting Salary $55,839
#20 #20 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN At Purdue University-Main Campus, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Experimental Psychology. In fact, Purdue University-Main Campus awards 532 degrees every year to graduating Computer Science students....view more Acceptance Rate 50% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,220–1,490 Median Starting Salary $55,458
#21 #21 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Connecticut Storrs, CT Annually, the University of Connecticut grants around 399 degrees to those majoring in Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Economics, General, Speech Communication and Rhetoric, Finance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 52% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 1,230–1,450 Median Starting Salary $54,173
#22 #22 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Bowling Green State University-Main Campus Bowling Green, OH At Bowling Green State University-Main Campus, the most popular majors students pursue are Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs, Psychology, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 81% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 1,010–1,240 Median Starting Salary $57,853
#23 #23 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Annually, Arizona State University Campus Immersion grants around 1251 degrees to students studying Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other, which is the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 90% Annual Degrees Awarded 8 SAT Score 1,090–1,320 Median Starting Salary $49,428
#24 #24 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Delaware Newark, DE Each year, the University of Delaware awards about 277 degrees to those majoring in Finance, General, the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Speech Communication and Rhetoric, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 69% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,210–1,400 Median Starting Salary $61,261
#25 #25 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY Columbia University is separated into 20 different schools which include the College, global research outposts, Juilliard School, Barnard College, and more. Each new student will meet with an adviser to go over their plan and schedule for the upcoming year....view more Acceptance Rate 4% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,510–1,590 Median Starting Salary $44,735
#26 #26 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the three most popular college majors students study are Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 97% Annual Degrees Awarded 6 SAT Score 970–1,210 Median Starting Salary $54,006
#27 #27 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT At the University of Utah, the most popular majors students study are Research and Experimental Psychology, Other, Communication, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General. In fact, the University of Utah awards 484 degrees every year to Research and Experimental Psychology, Other majors....view more Acceptance Rate 86% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 1,130–1,350 Median Starting Salary $50,308
#28 #28 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Liberty University Lynchburg, VA At Liberty University, the three most popular college majors students study are Business Administration and Management, General, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, Psychology, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 99% Annual Degrees Awarded 22 SAT Score 1,040–1,340 Median Starting Salary $51,808
#29 #29 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Behavioral Sciences, Business Administration and Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 15% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,350–1,520 Median Starting Salary $52,332
#30 #30 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY Each year, the University at Buffalo awards around 642 degrees to those studying Business Administration and Management, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Psychology, General, Computer Science, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric....view more Acceptance Rate 74% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,220–1,390 Median Starting Salary $50,916
#31 #31 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University at Albany Albany, NY At the University at Albany, the most popular majors students study are Business Administration and Management, General, Psychology, General, and Human Biology. In fact, the University at Albany grants 330 degrees annually to graduating Business Administration and Management, General students....view more Acceptance Rate 69% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,160–1,330 Median Starting Salary $51,698
#32 #32 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, IL At Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, the most popular majors students pursue are Aviation/Airway Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician....view more Acceptance Rate 87% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 920–1,190 Median Starting Salary $52,214
#33 #33 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Every year, the University of Arizona awards around 486 degrees to students majoring in Psychology, General, which is the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 86% Annual Degrees Awarded 5 SAT Score 1,100–1,330 Median Starting Salary $51,752
#34 #34 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Kentucky Lexington, KY At the University of Kentucky, the most popular majors students study are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Business/Commerce, and General. In fact, the University of Kentucky grants 339 degrees per year to Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse majors....view more Acceptance Rate 93% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,080–1,310 Median Starting Salary $54,517
#35 #35 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Georgia Athens, GA At the University of Georgia, the most popular majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Finance, and General. In fact, the University of Georgia awards 578 degrees annually to Psychology, General majors....view more Acceptance Rate 37% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,250–1,430 Median Starting Salary $53,677
#36 #36 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA At Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, the most popular majors students study are Finance, General, Psychology, General, and Information Science/Studies. In fact, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus awards 533 degrees annually to Finance, General majors....view more Acceptance Rate 61% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 1,250–1,430 Median Starting Salary $53,217
#37 #37 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Denver Denver, CO Annually, the University of Denver awards about 150 degrees to students studying Psychology, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other popular majors include International Relations and Affairs, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Finance, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 77% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,240–1,410 Median Starting Salary $55,801
#38 #38 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Every year, the University of Iowa grants around 377 degrees to students studying Kinesiology and Exercise Science, the school’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Finance, General, Behavioral Sciences, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 84% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,100–1,320 Median Starting Salary $56,415
#39 #39 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Washington State University Pullman, WA At Washington State University, the most popular majors students pursue are Psychology, General, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Marketing/Marketing Management, and General. In fact, Washington State University awards 531 degrees every year to Psychology, General majors....view more Acceptance Rate 87% Annual Degrees Awarded 4 SAT Score 990–1,280 Median Starting Salary $52,728
#40 #40 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY Every year, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute grants around 237 degrees to those majoring in Computer Science, the institution’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 63% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,380–1,510 Median Starting Salary $55,052
#41 #41 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO Every year, the University of Missouri-Columbia awards around 883 degrees to those majoring in Business/Commerce, General, the institution’s most popular major. Other frequently pursued majors include Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General, Journalism, Psychology, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 78% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,150–1,370 Median Starting Salary $56,904
#42 #42 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Georgia State University Atlanta, GA Each year, Georgia State University grants about 543 degrees to students majoring in Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other, which is the institution’s most popular major. Other often-pursued majors include Psychology, General, Computer Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 55% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 960–1,220 Median Starting Salary $50,038
#43 #43 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. University of South Florida Tampa, FL At the University of South Florida, the three most popular college majors students pursue are Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General, Psychology, General, Biomedical Sciences, and General....view more Acceptance Rate 43% Annual Degrees Awarded 2 SAT Score 1,150–1,330 Median Starting Salary $49,242
#44 #44 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. West Virginia University Morgantown, WV Each year, West Virginia University awards about 179 degrees to students majoring in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, the school’s most popular major....view more Acceptance Rate 78% Annual Degrees Awarded 3 SAT Score 1,020–1,230 Median Starting Salary $54,567
#45 #45 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S. Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, OH Each year, Ohio University-Main Campus grants around 1212 degrees to students studying Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, the school’s most popular major. Other popular majors include Psychology, General, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, and Speech Communication and Rhetoric....view more Acceptance Rate 85% Annual Degrees Awarded 1 SAT Score 1,110–1,310 Median Starting Salary $54,953
*The estimated net prices above are College Raptor’s estimate. Please contact the college financial aid office for actual net cost figures.

About Speech Communication and Rhetoric

A program that focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Includes instruction in the theory and practice of interpersonal, group, organizational, professional, and intercultural communication; speaking and listening; verbal and nonverbal interaction; rhetorical theory and criticism; performance studies; argumentation and persuasion; technologically mediated communication; popular culture; and various contextual applications.

While Speech Communication and Rhetoric offers degrees up to the Post masters certificate, the majority of students earn a Bachelors degree. Students study Speech Communication and Rhetoric all over the country, though the major at the Doctors degree research scholarship level has the most graduates in Virginia. The average annual income for a graduate with a bachelor's degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric is $40,000.

Popularity of Speech Communication and Rhetoric Degrees in the U.S.

This heat map represents the states that have the highest percent of Speech Communication and Rhetoric degrees compared to all other degrees awarded in that state.

Less Popular

More Popular

Careers

Some of the highest paying jobs for Speech Communication and Rhetoric majors include Communications Teachers, Postsecondary, Writers and Authors . However, another thing to consider is how many job openings there currently is. Positions that are in high need that a degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric can prepare you for are Communications Teachers, Postsecondary, Writers and Authors .

Top Paying Careers

These are the highest paying careers for Speech Communication and Rhetoric majors.

Most In-Demand Careers

These are the careers in highest demand for Speech Communication and Rhetoric majors.

Student Demographics

Total Students

292

Female Students

201 (68%)

Male Students

91 (31%)

Resources for:

Articles

Resources for:

Speech Communication and Rhetoric

#1 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

19%

8

1,340–1,480

$51,463

#2 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

38%

9

1,270–1,420

$55,040

#3 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

8%

9

1,510–1,560

$50,315

#4 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

77%

7

1,140–1,340

$52,195

#5 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

81%

10

1,190–1,400

$54,564

#6 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

78%

10

1,070–1,280

$50,608

#7 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

52%

20

1,000–1,250

$52,489

#8 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

10%

11

1,450–1,550

$48,482

#9 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

45%

12

1,350–1,480

$57,453

#10 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

87%

6

1,110–1,320

$56,093

#11 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

45%

8

1,400–1,540

$52,556

#12 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

39%

9

1,310–1,510

$48,978

#13 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

61%

10

1,250–1,440

$53,016

#14 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

99%

8

1,040–1,340

$51,401

#15 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

27%

9

1,250–1,490

$50,854

#16 Best College for Speech Communication and Rhetoric in the U.S.

73%

6

1,180–1,370