Northwestern or BU for communications major: which is better for careers in media and PR?

The biggest practical tradeoff is prestige and alumni reach versus location-driven day-to-day access. Northwestern has the stronger overall national reputation in communications, especially through Medill and its broader university brand, while Boston University gives you more immediate proximity to media, PR, and advertising internships during the school year because you are in Boston.

For media and PR specifically, Northwestern tends to carry more weight on name recognition and alumni connections across major markets. Its graduates place well in journalism, strategic communications, media, and related fields, and the network is especially helpful if you may later pivot between media, consulting, entertainment, or corporate communications. That broader brand flexibility matters.

BU is still a very credible choice in communications, and its location is a real advantage rather than a minor perk. Being in Boston makes it easier to build experience early through semester internships, networking events, and part-time roles at agencies, nonprofits, startups, and media outlets. For a student who learns by doing and wants professional exposure from the start, that can be a meaningful edge.

One important nuance is that Northwestern’s most famous communications-related strength is split across different units, especially Medill and School of Communication pathways, so you would want to look closely at which program actually matches your interests in PR and media. At BU, communications and media pathways can feel a bit more directly tied to the city’s professional ecosystem.

If the question is which school has the stronger overall reputation for launching a communications career, I would give Northwestern the edge.