Hi! I’m deciding between Syracuse (Newhouse + Maxwell dual enrollment) and the University of Maryland (Merrill + Carillon Living-Learning Community) for journalism + political reporting.
Cost:
-
Syracuse: ~$62k/year
-
UMD: ~$50k/year (and I may be able to get in-state tuition after 1–2 years since I have family in Maryland)
My family can contribute $60–65k/year, so both are possible, but UMD would likely end up cheaper long-term.
Career goals: political journalism / eventually national political reporting. Access to DC internships, strong alumni networks, and program prestige are my top priorities.
Why I like each school:
Syracuse
-
Admitted to Newhouse + Maxwell
-
One of the strongest undergrad journalism programs in the country
-
Loved the campus when I visited
-
Strong alumni network in national media
UMD
-
Admitted to Philip Merrill College of Journalism
-
Very close to Washington, DC
-
Accepted to Carillon Communities
-
Family ties to Maryland (and my parents attended UMD)
-
Possible in-state tuition later
I’m from California and open to any weather/location. Social fit matters, but academics + opportunities in political journalism matter most.
Would especially appreciate insight on Newhouse vs Merrill for political reporting and long-term career outcomes, and whether Syracuse’s journalism reputation outweighs UMD’s proximity to DC.