The best colleges for marketing and advertising in 2027 include Harvard University, Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Pennsylvania, followed by Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Notre Dame. Penn, Texas, Georgia and Florida are especially strong if you want a dedicated marketing or advertising degree.

Marketing is a unique field because you get to bring products and services to life and earn well while doing it. Attending a top university for marketing can help you stand out when you apply to big firms, since many hiring managers look at a school’s reputation. U.S. News and World Report publishes its own marketing program rankings, and degree outcomes, such as those in our guide to the best jobs for economics majors, are worth a look too.

For overall university quality, see the UM World University Rankings methodology and our rankings. They do not rank marketing programs by school, so this list follows the order supplied for this guide.

The Best Colleges For Marketing and Advertising 2027

 

1. Harvard University

Harvard University does not offer an undergraduate marketing major, and Harvard Business School does not teach undergraduates. We list it first because the university remains one of the strongest launch pads for marketing careers, and many graduates move into brand, strategy and consulting roles.

Students usually study economics, psychology, statistics or computer science, then build marketing skills through internships, student clubs and the school’s huge alumni network. Harvard is the right choice for applicants who want a broad liberal arts education and plan to learn marketing on the job or in a later MBA. Anyone who wants a dedicated marketing major should look at the schools below.

 

2. Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis teaches marketing through the Olin Business School, which was founded in 1917. Olin offers a marketing major that mixes analytics, consumer behaviour and strategy, and students can pair it with a second major in another college.

Classes are small compared with large state universities, and Olin pushes students into case competitions, consulting projects and internships. St. Louis is home to major consumer brands, which helps local recruiting. Wash U is a strong fit for applicants who want a rigorous, data-minded marketing education and plenty of room to explore other subjects.

 

3. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania offers marketing through the Wharton School, founded in 1881 and widely described as the first collegiate business school. Students can choose a marketing concentration within the Wharton undergraduate program.

Wharton’s marketing faculty is known for research in consumer behaviour, analytics and strategy, and students can combine business courses with the rest of Penn. The school’s alumni network reaches into nearly every major brand and agency. Penn suits ambitious applicants who want a business degree with a strong marketing core and a large recruiting pipeline in Philadelphia, New York and beyond.

 

4. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University teaches business through the Tepper School of Business, where undergraduates earn a business administration degree and can focus on marketing. Carnegie Mellon is known for blending business with data, technology and design.

That mix suits modern marketing, which depends on analytics, digital platforms and user experience. Students can take courses in computer science, statistics and design alongside their business classes. Pittsburgh has a growing tech scene that helps with internships. CMU is a strong choice for applicants who want a quantitative, tech-forward approach to marketing.

 

5. University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame offers a marketing major through the Mendoza College of Business. The program stresses ethics and responsible business practice, a theme that runs through the whole college.

Mendoza students work on real brand projects and benefit from a famously loyal alumni network, which helps with job searches at big consumer brands. Notre Dame’s campus in Indiana is residential and close-knit. It is a strong fit for applicants who want a values-driven education, strong school spirit and a marketing degree backed by a close alumni community.

 

6. Georgetown University

Georgetown University offers marketing through the McDonough School of Business in Washington, D.C. Students can add marketing to a business degree that already includes global business and ethics.

The location gives Georgetown a different flavour from other schools: students can intern in government, nonprofits, consulting firms and international organizations, as well as brands and agencies. That mix is helpful for marketers who want to work in public affairs or global brands. Georgetown suits applicants who want an international outlook and the connections of the nation’s capital.

 

7. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the best places in the country to study both marketing and advertising. The McCombs School of Business offers marketing, and the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations sits in the Moody College of Communication.

Students can choose a business track, a creative advertising track or a mix of both. Austin is a major hub for tech, music and media, so internship choices are wide. Texas is ideal for applicants who want a large public university with strong programs on both the business and creative sides of marketing.

 

8. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers marketing through the Warrington College of Business and advertising through the College of Journalism and Communications. That gives students a business route and a creative route on the same campus.

Florida is a big public university with a large alumni base and a strong reputation across the Southeast. Gainesville offers a classic college-town setting and a lower cost than many private schools for in-state students. UF is a good fit for applicants who want strong value, plenty of student groups and the option to focus on analytics or on creative advertising.

 

9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign teaches marketing through the Gies College of Business and advertising through the Department of Advertising in the College of Media. Students can choose either route or combine them.

The school has a large alumni network in Chicago, which is a major hub for advertising agencies and consumer brands. The campus is big, with strong student groups and research resources. Illinois is a smart pick for applicants who want a strong public university, solid employer ties in the Midwest and a clear route into brand or agency work.

 

10. Boston University

Boston University offers marketing through the Questrom School of Business and advertising through the College of Communication. Students can study the business side, the creative side or both.

Boston is a strong city for marketing careers, with healthcare, tech, finance and consumer companies all nearby. BU is a large private university with an urban campus, so students can easily intern during the school year. It is a good fit for applicants who want a city setting and the chance to combine business training with communication skills.

 

11. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers marketing through the Wisconsin School of Business. Students can study consumer insight, brand management and research.

The Madison campus has a lively student life and a friendly college-town setting. Students can join marketing clubs, case competitions and internship programs. Wisconsin is a good choice for applicants who want a respected public university, strong Midwest recruiting links and a research-minded marketing education. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year.

 

12. Florida State University

Florida State University teaches marketing through its College of Business in Tallahassee. The marketing program covers consumer behaviour, branding, research and sales, and students can add courses in other fields.

FSU is a large public university with a lively campus and a big alumni network across Florida. Tallahassee also offers state government and nonprofit internships alongside business roles. Florida State is a good fit for applicants who want a marketing degree at a public price and a school with strong spirit. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year.

 

13. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia teaches marketing through the Terry College of Business and advertising through the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Both are well known in the Southeast.

Students can aim for a business route in brand and analytics or a creative route in advertising. Athens is a classic college town, and Atlanta is close enough for internships at big brands and agencies. Georgia is an excellent choice for applicants who want both options on one campus and strong ties to employers in the region.

 

14. Boston College

Boston College offers marketing through the Carroll School of Management. Students take a core business curriculum and then focus on marketing, with the option of adding a liberal arts minor.

The Chestnut Hill campus is close to downtown Boston, so students can intern during the year. Boston College is known for service, ethics and an engaged alumni base. It is a good fit for applicants who want a mid-sized private university with a strong sense of community and a marketing degree that rests on a broad liberal arts foundation.

 

15. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University teaches marketing through the Mays Business School in College Station. The marketing program covers branding, digital marketing, sales and analytics.

Texas A&M has one of the largest alumni networks in the country, and Aggies are known for helping each other find jobs. Houston, Dallas and Austin are all within driving distance, which gives students plenty of internship options. A&M is a strong choice for applicants who want a traditional campus, strong school spirit and a clear path into business in Texas. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year.

 

16. University of Miami

The University of Miami offers marketing through the Patti and Allan Herbert Business School in Coral Gables. The school has a strong international focus, which suits Miami’s role as a gateway to Latin America.

Students can pair marketing with communication courses and take advantage of a city with active tourism, hospitality, media and finance industries. The campus is private, with smaller classes than most state schools. Miami is a good option for applicants who want a global outlook and a warm-weather campus. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year.

 

17. Lehigh University

Lehigh University offers marketing through the College of Business in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is a smaller research university with a reputation for strong career outcomes in business.

Students get close contact with professors and plenty of hands-on projects. Lehigh also has a loyal alumni network in the Northeast that helps students find internships in New York and Philadelphia. It is a good pick for applicants who want a smaller private university and strong employer ties in the region. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year.

 

18. University of Washington

The University of Washington offers marketing through the Foster School of Business in Seattle. Foster is known for strong ties to local employers, including major tech and consumer companies.

Students can pursue marketing roles in tech, retail and consumer goods without leaving the region. The Seattle setting gives access to internships during the school year. UW is a good fit for applicants who want a major public research university and a marketing education tied to the Pacific Northwest job market. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year.

 

19. The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University teaches marketing through the Max M. Fisher College of Business in Columbus. Fisher offers a marketing major with strong ties to the many companies headquartered in Ohio.

Ohio State is one of the largest universities in the country, so students find a wide range of clubs, research projects and internships. Columbus has a growing business scene, including retail and consumer brands. The university suits applicants who want a big public campus and strong Midwest recruiting. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year.

 

20. Trinity University

Trinity University in San Antonio is a small liberal arts university with a business program that suits students interested in marketing. Classes are small, and professors know students by name.

Students can combine business courses with communication, psychology or the arts. San Antonio offers internships with local firms, nonprofits and national brands. Trinity is a good choice for applicants who want close faculty contact and a flexible liberal arts education. Check the current majors and marketing course list before applying, since a smaller school offers fewer specialized classes.

 

21. Tulane University

Tulane University offers marketing through the A. B. Freeman School of Business in New Orleans. The school is known for entrepreneurship and a friendly campus culture.

New Orleans has strong tourism, hospitality and food industries, which helps marketing students find practical projects. Tulane also has a large service-learning culture. It is a good fit for applicants who want a private university with an engaged student community and a distinctive city. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year. Tulane also offers a strong community feel that many students value.

 

22. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech teaches marketing through the Pamplin College of Business in Blacksburg. The program covers branding, digital marketing, sales and research.

Virginia Tech has a strong reputation in engineering and technology, which gives marketing students a chance to work with future engineers and scientists. The school also has a large alumni network in Virginia and the D.C. region. It is a good choice for applicants who want a public university with a tight-knit campus and strong employer ties. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year.

 

23. Penn State

Penn State offers marketing through the Smeal College of Business and advertising through the Bellisario College of Communications. Both programs benefit from one of the largest alumni networks in the country.

Penn State students can choose a business route or a creative route, and the University Park campus has an active student life. Alumni often hire fellow graduates, which helps with job searches at large companies. It is a good option for applicants who want a large public university with strong name recognition. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year.

 

24. Purdue University

Purdue University teaches marketing through the Mitch Daniels School of Business in West Lafayette. The school draws on the university’s strength in technology and quantitative teaching, which suits students who like numbers.

Purdue is known for engineering and technology, so marketing students work alongside many future engineers. The Midwest location offers strong recruiting from large manufacturing and consumer companies. It is a good fit for applicants who want a practical, data-driven approach to marketing. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year. Purdue’s large campus also gives students plenty of clubs and research projects.

 

25. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida offers marketing through the Muma College of Business and advertising through the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications in Tampa.

Tampa Bay has a growing business scene, including finance, healthcare and tourism, which helps students find internships. USF is a large public university with an urban setting. It is a good choice for applicants who want a marketing or advertising route at a lower cost and a city with growing job opportunities. Applicants should check the current marketing course list and admission requirements on the school’s site before applying, since programs and entry rules can change from year to year.

 

What Can You Do With a Marketing Degree?

Marketers work to increase demand for a product or service and to attract and keep customers. Part of the job is figuring out what customers want and need so the company can offer something worth paying for. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median pay of $165,780 a year for advertising, promotions and marketing managers in May 2025, and it projects 6% job growth from 2025 to 2035. A bachelor’s degree is the typical entry level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best college for marketing?

Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania is one of the best-known marketing programs, and Washington University in St. Louis, Notre Dame and Georgetown are also strong. Harvard leads our supplied list but does not offer an undergraduate marketing major.

What is the difference between marketing and advertising degrees?

Marketing degrees cover research, branding, pricing and sales. Advertising degrees usually focus on creative work, media planning and campaigns. Schools such as Texas, Georgia, Florida and Illinois offer both routes.

How much do marketing managers earn?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median pay of $165,780 a year for advertising, promotions and marketing managers in May 2025, with 6% job growth projected from 2025 to 2035.

Do I need a marketing degree to work in marketing?

Not always, but a bachelor’s degree is the typical entry level for marketing manager and market research roles. A business or communication degree helps, and internships matter just as much.

Is marketing a good career?

Demand is steady. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth for market research analysts from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than average.

How were these colleges ordered?

The order follows the list supplied for this article. UM World University Rankings use a published methodology for overall quality, but they do not rank marketing programs by school.

Top 25 Best Colleges for Marketing and Advertising 2027: Ranked List

1. Harvard University
2. Washington University in St. Louis
3. University of Pennsylvania
4. Carnegie Mellon University
5. University of Notre Dame
6. Georgetown University
7. University of Texas – Austin
8. University of Florida
9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
10. Boston University
11. University of Wisconsin-Madison
12. Florida State University
13. University of Georgia
14. Boston College
15. Texas A&M University
16. University of Miami
17. Lehigh University
18. University of Washington
19. The Ohio State University
20. Trinity University
21. Tulane University
22. Virginia Tech
23. Penn State
24. Purdue University
25. University of South Florida

 

 

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