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Journalism at American University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,387/yr (29% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (64% exposed)
Job Market Large (50,500 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #112 of 178 Journalism programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Journalism graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $539K $533K $489K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.4x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 46% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$226,172
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$167,780
26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,976
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,636
25% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of American University's Journalism program earn $44,387/yr in their first year — 29% above the $34,417 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Journalism career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,976 against $44,387/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #112 ranking among 178 Journalism programs places American University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 25% earnings increase from $44,387 to $55,636 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About American University

With a 47% acceptance rate, American University is moderately selective, serving 7,593 students in Washington, DC.

See all programs and financial aid at American University →

Top Career Paths

Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
Editors $75,260/yr
Writers and authors $72,270/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 178 schools offering Journalism →

Journalism at Other Schools

George Washington University ($52,015) Northeastern University ($51,855) Northwestern University ($50,426) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ($48,637) University of Maryland-College Park ($46,893) Brigham Young University ($46,652) Lehigh University ($45,256) University of Southern California ($44,651)

Other Majors at American University

Finance and Financial Management Services ($83,505) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($58,299) Economics ($58,151) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($55,625) Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($50,026) Political Science and Government ($48,034) International Relations and National Security Studies ($47,551) Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($46,780)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Journalism at American University?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Journalism programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Journalism at American University?
The 64% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →