Student Newspapers Thrive Without Formal Programs

Many U.S. college papers operate successfully despite their schools lacking dedicated journalism departments.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in College Applications

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a stack of blank broadsheet papers on a wooden desk, evoking student-led journalism. — Hundreds of college newspapers across the U.S. continue to operate successfully without the support of formal academic journalism programs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Hundreds of college newspapers across the United States function without the support of formal academic journalism programs. Student journalists at these institutions rely entirely on peer-led training to develop their reporting and writing skills.

Why it matters

These student-run publications provide a vital outlet for civic engagement and immediate campus impact. The lack of formal programs creates lower barriers to entry, allowing students without prior experience to participate.

There are approximately 1,100 college newspapers in the United States, yet fewer than half are associated with academic journalism programs. Data shows 330 schools offer journalism degrees according to U.S. News, while the NCES reports 450.

The players

The Vanderbilt Hustler

This is the student newspaper of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, which maintains a large volunteer staff.

The Davidsonian

This is the student-run publication at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina, operated by a small team of editors and writers.

Colby College

Located in Waterville, Maine, this institution does not offer a formal academic journalism program for its 2,400 students.

Elias Kemp

He is a student at Colby College who serves as a co-editor-in-chief for his campus publication, The Echo.

The details

At institutions like Colby College, which has 2,400 students and no journalism major or minor, papers rely on veteran editors teaching newcomers how to conduct interviews. Publications such as The Vanderbilt Hustler maintain staff sizes of 300, while others like The Davidsonian operate with 15 editors and six writers.

Spring 2024 saw student journalists cover campus pro-Palestine encampments.
Elias Kemp began his term as co-editor-in-chief of The Echo in January 2026.
Elias Kemp is scheduled to graduate from Colby College in May 2027.

Culture Shift

This trend marks a departure from the traditional model of university-backed media training, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics on journalism degree availability. Students are increasingly bypassing formal academic structures to gain professional experience through independent peer-led organizations.

Prospective students interested in media can gain significant practical experience even at schools that lack formal journalism departments. These organizations offer an immediate, low-barrier way to build a portfolio and engage with the campus community from the start of one's academic career.

The takeaway

Students looking to build writing and leadership skills should treat campus newspapers as primary professional development labs regardless of their school's academic offerings. Peer mentorship is a highly effective way to master journalistic standards outside of a traditional classroom setting.