ASU vs. Northwestern: Which is better for a journalism career?

The biggest practical tradeoff is Northwestern’s smaller, highly selective Medill network and access to the Chicago media market versus ASU Cronkite’s large-scale, newsroom-style training and unusually extensive local professional ecosystem in Phoenix. Medill carries especially strong name recognition with national news organizations and places students near major Chicago outlets, while Cronkite is built around frequent production work, digital journalism, broadcast, sports, investigative reporting, and community reporting.

At Northwestern, Medill students benefit from a curriculum closely connected to professional reporting, substantial alumni reach, and opportunities tied to Chicago. The school’s journalism culture is intense and career-focused, and Northwestern’s broader academic reputation can be useful when applying for competitive internships and entry-level roles. Students can also gain experience through outlets such as The Daily Northwestern, WNUR, and Medill reporting projects.

ASU’s Walter Cronkite School is a particularly compelling option for students who want to start producing real work early and often. Its downtown Phoenix setting, dedicated media facilities, professional programs, and partnerships create access to internships and practical reporting opportunities. Student journalists can work through Cronkite News and other campus media while building clips across video, audio, social, data, and written reporting. Cronkite’s emphasis on hands-on work can make it easier to graduate with a substantial portfolio.

For a student choosing primarily on journalism prestige, national alumni access, and the Chicago setting, Northwestern has the edge. For someone who values an immersive production environment, broad digital and broadcast experience, and a potentially lower overall cost depending on aid, ASU can be an equally serious launchpad. Northwestern is the stronger choice when the financial difference is manageable, but ASU is not a fallback for journalism; a motivated Cronkite student can leave with excellent clips, internships, and professional connections.