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Journalism

Journalism graduates earn $56,278 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,588 and $73,923. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Journalism

Journalism is a focused area of study within Communication. Graduates typically earn around $56,278 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 522 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 12,280 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $34,577
Median Earnings · 4yr: $56,278
Colleges Offering: 522
Graduates / Year: 12,280
Avg Net Price / yr: $20,106

How Much Do Journalism Graduates Earn?

Journalism graduates earn $56,278 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,588 and $73,923. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $34,577 climbs to $56,278 by year four.

$34,577

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$56,278

4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$54,396

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a moderate earnings spread across Journalism graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.

$40,588 25th pct.

$56,278 Median

$73,923 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $56,278 and an estimated $80,424 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 3.1 years.

Based on outcomes from 410 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 12,280 students who complete Journalism programs each year, the majority (82%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

82%

Bachelor's 82%

Master's 13%

Associate's 4%

What Can You Do With a Journalism Degree?

Journalism connects to 7 occupations in the job market. Communications Teachers leads at $78,580/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +2.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Communications Teachers

$78,580

$61K $102K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 2,700 openings/yr 29K employed nationally

Active Listening Reading Comprehension Instructing Speaking Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

↗ +0.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Editor

$77,920

$57K $106K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 9,800 openings/yr 92K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Writing Active Listening Critical Thinking Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.

↗ +3.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Writer & Author

$76,910

$58K $102K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 13,400 openings/yr 48K employed nationally

Writing Writing Reading Comprehension Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

Develop advertising campaigns for a wide range of clients, working with an advertising agency's creative director and art director to determine the best way to present advertising information.
Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium.
Present drafts and ideas to clients.

↗ +4.0% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Film & Video Editor

$75,420

$53K $105K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 3,600 openings/yr 26K employed nationally

Active Listening Critical Thinking Reading Comprehension Complex Problem Solving Active Learning

Day-to-day responsibilities

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

Organize and string together raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producers.
Edit films and videotapes to insert music, dialogue, and sound effects, to arrange films into sequences, and to correct errors, using editing equipment.
Select and combine the most effective shots of each scene to form a logical and smoothly running story.

↘ -3.9% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

News Reporter

$62,200

$45K $98K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 4,100 openings/yr 39K employed nationally

Speaking Reading Comprehension Writing Active Listening Time Management

Day-to-day responsibilities

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.

↘ -5.5% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys

$47,340

$35K $75K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 2,300 openings/yr 21K employed nationally

Speaking Active Listening Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Social Perceptiveness

Day-to-day responsibilities

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
Operate control consoles.

↗ +1.8% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Photographer

$44,660

$36K $63K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 12,700 openings/yr 52K employed nationally

Active Listening Speaking Service Orientation Active Learning Judgment and Decision Making

Day-to-day responsibilities

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.

Top Colleges for Journalism

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Journalism students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO · Public	523	78.5%	$20,268	$63,403
2	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OK · Public	303	76.6%	$15,300	$63,126
3	University of North Texas Denton, TX · Public	260	72.2%	$15,649	$57,010
4	Syracuse University Syracuse, NY · Nonprofit	252	45.9%	$38,793	$79,164
5	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY · Nonprofit	248	4%	$21,590	$102,491
6	University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public	240	37.7%	$13,936	$68,726
7	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	233	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
8	University of Kansas Lawrence, KS · Public	220	93.5%	$18,059	$61,945
9	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public	219	89.9%	$14,967	$62,668
10	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	176	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
11	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	175	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
12	University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA · Nonprofit	169	9.8%	$32,740	$92,498
13	San Diego State University San Diego, CA · Public	167	36.2%	$15,364	$64,909
14	West Virginia University Morgantown, WV · Public	166	89%	$15,634	$55,939
15	The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL · Public	151	76.7%	$22,420	$59,221
16	Colorado State University-Fort Collins Fort Collins, CO · Public	145	88.5%	$21,279	$60,543
17	University of Oregon Eugene, OR · Public	145	88.3%	$22,182	$61,324
18	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, MD · Public	141	44.8%	$15,678	$82,860
19	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public	139	26.6%	$19,857	$75,121
20	Ohio University-Main Campus Athens, OH · Public	139	85%	$21,637	$52,581

View all colleges

Ranked by Journalism graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Journalism program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Journalism degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Journalism Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Journalism shows 4 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $56,278 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $34,577 at graduation to $56,278 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 48,600 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availability Offered at 522 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas 2 related careers show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.

Journalism Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Journalism graduates earn?

Journalism graduates earn a national median of $56,278 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,588 and $73,923. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Journalism degree?

One year after graduation, Journalism degree holders earn a median of $34,577. That climbs to $56,278 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Journalism degree?

Journalism degree holders pursue careers including Communications Teachers, which pays a median of $78,580/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Journalism program take?

A Journalism bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Journalism?

522 colleges and universities in the United States offer Journalism programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Journalism degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $56,278 and an average net price of roughly $20,106/yr, a Journalism degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Journalism and Communication?

Journalism is a focused concentration within the broader Communication field. The Communication major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Journalism-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Journalism graduates?

Employers hiring Journalism graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.

What is the job outlook for Journalism graduates?

The job outlook for Journalism graduates is slow overall. Related occupations project an average of +0.4% job growth over the next 10 years. Film & Video Editor is among the strongest-growth roles at +4.0%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.