8 College Newspapers to Follow this Fall
Photo by Stanley Morales on Pexels.
The future of journalism lies in the hands of student journalists pursuing degrees that enhance their ability to think critically, analyze, research and disseminate information to the public. Despite its many obstacles, student journalists remain dedicated to this career path that enables them to gather, investigate and report news to their audience via print, digital and social channels.
News outlets – including college newspapers – are consistently working to adapt to news consumers’ everyday use of social media and online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X and Facebook. According to Pew Research, half of U.S. adults say they get news at least sometimes from social media in general.
Within the past year, these eight college newspapers have made waves, sparked influence among their communities and gained visibility on notable media outlets such as AP News, Time, Forbes and The New York Times. In this post, we’re highlighting just a few standout college newspapers we think you should follow as a new school year kicks off.
Read from a selection of stories that exemplify how current student journalists are captivating audiences, highlighting campus voices and discussing crucial topics surrounding politics, finance, technology, sports, entertainment and social justice.
1. Daily Bruin – University of California, Los Angeles
“Since 1919, The Daily Bruin has served as UCLA’s main campus newspaper for students and members of the university.”
Suggested reads:
- UC President Michael Drake bans encampments on all campuses
- UCLA spends millions on pro-Palestine protests, considers attendants to fund costs
- ASUCLA cafes to no longer offer Starbucks products
2. Columbia Spectator – Columbia University
“Founded in 1877, the Columbia Daily Spectator delivers news daily to thousands of readers around Columbia University, Morningside Heights, West Harlem, and beyond.”
Suggested reads:
- Letter from the Editor: What we owe each other
- Shafik announces ongoing community initiatives, new orientation resources for first-year students set to begin in the fall
- ‘We won’t go back’: Black women politicians, community advocates in Harlem launch campaign to support Harris’ presidential run
- Is Columbia in crisis?
3. The Huntington News – Northeastern University
“The Huntington News is dedicated to serving the Northeastern University community with original, professional reporting and creating an environment in which student journalists can learn from one another.”
Suggested reads:
- Students pay nearly $80,000 to go to Northeastern. Where is that money going?
- Students file federal civil rights complaint against Northeastern alleging anti-Palestinian discrimination
- Aoun authors essay on bracing for, and embracing, the future of AI
The Daily Tar Heel – The University of North Carolina
“Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893”
Suggested reads:
- ‘You’re making your mark’: Hussman students travel to Paris to cover the Olympics
- TransparUNCy holds teach-ins, educates students about UNC administration
- Student-run Instagram account keeps every Tuesday ‘tuff’
5. The Harvard Crimson – Harvard University
“The Harvard Crimson, the nation’s oldest continuously published daily college newspaper, was founded in 1873 and incorporated in 1967. The Crimson has a rich tradition of journalistic integrity and counts among its ranks of editorship some of America’s greatest journalists.”
Suggested reads:
- Top Republicans Ask Harvard to Detail Plans for Handling Campus Protests in New Semester
- Harvard Will Ban Chalking and Unapproved Signage on Campus, Draft Document Shows
- Harvard Athletes Won 13 Medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Shattering a 128-Year-Old Record
6. The Daily Iowan – The University of Iowa
“The Daily Iowan, which has been serving the University of Iowa, Johnson County, and state of Iowa communities for over 150 years, is committed to fair and accurate coverage of events and issues concerning these areas.”
Suggested reads:
- Day two of the Democratic National Convention brings protests
- Harris makes forceful statement on Israel-Hamas conflict in presidential nomination acceptance speech
- Iowa City awarded $3.75 million Housing and Urban Development grant for affordable housing
Bonus read: College newspaper sweeps up 2 tiny publications in a volley against growing news deserts
7. The Michigan Daily – University of Michigan
“One hundred and thirty-three years of editorial freedom. The Michigan Daily exists to inform the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor communities about events and issues of consequence to the University and Washtenaw County.”
Suggested reads:
- DNC focuses on young voters, social media presence
- Michigan takes center stage at DNC
- Photo Essay: Lollapalooza: A beacon of unity
8. The Daily Trojan – University of Southern California
“The University of Southern California’s only independent student newspaper, since 1912. The Daily Trojan loudly and proudly proclaims itself to be ‘fiercely independent.'”
Suggested reads:
- Summer does not slow down for unions at USC
- Students, administration reflect on Culture Survey results as new semester begins
- Community members protest outside Coliseum during convocation
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Kyle (Diné) is a Senior Distribution Customer Support Specialist for Cision PR Newswire. In the past 5 years with the company, he's assisted our clients with requests ranging from "billing" to "best practices" and everything in between. When he's not working, he enjoys brunching his way through Chicago, visiting family in New Mexico, and learning all he can about fashion, art, photography, and design.
