You may also may want to consider your character's preferred learning style, aspirations. Of the top three, Columbia is a grad-school experience. Northwestern, I understand, is more theory-based. University of Missouri uses more hand's-on, real world experience (dubbed the Missouri Method). Syracuse and USC are especially noted for broadcast journalism.
If you have any specific questions about Mizzou, feel free to ask. I'm a J-School grad and still have ties to the school.